WAITRO Summit 2026
WAITRO Summit 2026
WAITRO SUMMIT 2026 | From ideas to impact2026-05-07T09:37:58+00:00
WAITRO Summit 2026

From Ideas to Impact

26-28 October 2026
Istanbul, Türkiye

hosteditu WAITRO Summit 2026

Leading the Path
of Implementation.

Strengthening Co-Creation for
Our Common Future.

The WAITRO Summit 2026 brings together the global community of Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs), universities, industry, policymakers, and innovation partners to turn ambition into action. At a time when the world needs practical solutions more than ever, the Summit moves beyond dialogue and creates a platform for co-creation.

Through structured collaboration, strategic networking, and solution-focused workshops, participants will co-create partnerships, develop initiatives, and accelerate impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on Climate Action.

More than a conference, the WAITRO Summit 2026 is where ideas become projects, partnerships become pipelines, and innovation becomes impact.

WAITRO Summit 2026

What to Expect

26-28 October 2026
Istanbul, Türkiye

WAITRO Summit 2026

Day 1

Connect & Inspire

Plenary sessions, keynote speeches, expert panels, member-led sessions, and networking opportunities designed to exchange knowledge and identify collaboration opportunities.

Day 2

Co-Create & Build

Interactive workshops where participants work across regions and sectors to develop implementation-ready projects, partnerships, and investment pathways.

Day 3

Commit & Continue

Formal endorsements, partnership announcements, next-step roadmaps, and long-term collaboration mechanisms to ensure impact beyond the Summit.

Why Attend

Move from Ideas to Implementation

Work on initiatives with concrete outputs, not just concepts.

Build Strategic
Partnerships

Connect with leading RTOs, universities, governments, investors, and industry actors worldwide.

Gain Global
Visibility

Showcase your expertise, innovations, and solutions to an international audience.

Access New
Opportunities

Discover funding channels, markets, and collaboration pathways.

Shape the Future of Climate Innovation

Contribute to a COP31-oriented solutions portfolio and global sustainability agenda.

Register now for your new opportunities!

Speakers

  • waitro person benjin luo 1 400x400 1 WAITRO Summit 2026

    Prof. Dr. Benjin Luo

    Secretary General of WAITRO, Chief Expert of Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI)

  • waitro person hasan mandal 1 400x400 1 WAITRO Summit 2026

    Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal

    Rector of the Istanbul Technical University, WAITRO President

Summit Focus 2026: Climate Solutions Through Collaboration

Bringing together research organizations, industry, governments, and innovation partners, the Summit focuses on three key transformation areas supporting SDG 13 – Climate Action.

WAITRO Summit 2026

Climate Resilience & Water–Food–Energy Nexus

Scalable solutions for adaptation, water security, agriculture, and clean energy systems.

Decarbonizing Industry & Circular Economy

Low-carbon technologies, sustainable manufacturing, and resource-efficient innovation.

Climate-Responsive Societies & Just Transitions

Inclusive climate implementation, green skills, health resilience, and community-centered innovation.

These areas form the strategic foundation of both the Co-Creation Workshops and the Climate Solutions Initiative, guiding how participants will showcase innovations, build partnerships, and develop implementation-ready solutions in the lead-up to COP31.

Co-Creation Workshops

Where ideas meet action. The Co-Creation Workshops are the interactive heart of the WAITRO Summit 2026, bringing together researchers and innovators to develop concrete, implementation-ready solutions. All workshops are structured around the Summit’s three transformation areas linked to SDG 13 – Climate Action and designed to foster cross-sector collaboration, pilot projects, and strategic partnerships that can advance beyond the Summit and contribute to momentum toward COP31.

WAITRO Summit 2026

Be Part of the Global Movement

Join the Global Innovation Family committed to translating research and innovation into real-world impact. Registration will be open soon.

WAITRO Summit 2026

Climate Solutions Initiative

A flagship platform for global climate innovation. The Climate Solutions Initiative is a signature element of the WAITRO Summit 2026, showcasing high-impact solutions and promising ideas from WAITRO’s global network. The initiative is organized around the Summit’s three transformation areas related to SDG 13 – Climate Action.

Key Components

Climate Solutions Gallery

A professionally curated exhibition at the WAITRO Summit featuring shortlisted solutions through posters.

Climate Solutions Awards

Recognition for the most outstanding submissions across categories and thematic areas.

Global Climate Solutions Portfolio

A publication featuring selected solutions for global dissemination to policymakers, funders, investors, development agencies, and partners.

Become a Partner or Sponsor

Partnering with the WAITRO Summit 2026 offers visibility, access to decision-makers, networking with leading RTOs, and the opportunity to shape real-world solutions. Join us in co-creating a summit focused on collaboration, implementation, and measurable impact. Reach out to become a Partner or Sponsor.

WAITRO Summit 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?2026-04-30T11:22:20+00:00

Employees, researchers, innovators, or teams from active* WAITRO member organizations are eligible to apply. Joint submissions with external partners are welcome, provided the application is led by an active WAITRO member organization. Applications linked to Collaborative Research Action (CRA) projects funded under the Belmont Forum are also eligible.

*Active member status refers to organizations with paid membership contributions for 2026.

Can one organization submit multiple entries?2026-04-30T11:22:00+00:00

Yes. Multiple submissions from the same organization are permitted, provided each application presents a distinct solution or project.

Is there a submission fee?2026-04-30T11:21:48+00:00

No, participation is free of charge.

Can early-stage ideas be submitted?2026-04-30T11:21:34+00:00

Yes. Category 2 is specifically designed for promising early-stage concepts, prototypes, and research-stage innovations with strong future potential.

Do mature solutions need proven results?2026-04-30T11:21:22+00:00

Yes. For Category 1, applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of implementation, pilot results, measurable outcomes, or other proof of impact.

WAITRO Summit 2026

We’re looking forward 
to having you!

Have questions about the WAITRO Summit? Need help with registration or travel?
Our team is ready to assist you.

Event Location
İTÜ | Istanbul Technical University

Mail
summit@waitro.org

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