The WAITRO Summit 2026 opens with a central question: How can research and innovation move more effectively from ideas to implementation and impact? Addressing today’s global challenges requires more than excellent research and technological solutions. It requires organizations capable of connecting knowledge with industry, investment, policy and the needs of society — and partnerships that can turn promising ideas into action at scale. Bringing together perspectives from research and technology organizations, industry, international organizations, development cooperation and impact finance, the Opening Plenary will explore what it takes to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. The session will set the stage for the Summit by examining the roles different actors can play, the barriers that continue to slow implementation, and how stronger international co-creation can accelerate solutions with real-world impact.
Opening Remarks
- Prof. Hasan Mandal — Rector Istanbul Technical University / WAITRO President
- Prof. Qing Liu — Director NICE (National Innovation Center par Excellence), President of JITRI (Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute) and SYDII (Shanghai Yangtze Delta Innovation Institute)
Keynote
- Kıvanç Zaimler — CEO, Sabancı Holding
Panel Discussion
- Dr. Zilong He — International AI & Digital Transformation Expert, UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)
- Prof. Brando Okolo — Head of STI (Science, Technology and Innovation) at AUDA-NEPAD (African Union Development Agency)
- Jean-Marc Champagne — Managing Director SENECA Impact Advisors
- Prof. Fazilet Vardar — Vice President of the Executive Board, ÜSIMP, Research Partnerships and Innovation Coordinator Izmir University of Economics