Artificial intelligence, deep tech, fintech, climate technology, and startup commercialization will be among the topics featured during Princeton University’s Innovation Conference at Reunions 2026.
The conference, hosted by Princeton University’s Office of Innovation, is scheduled for Friday, May 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Friend Center, Princeton University, Princeton. The event is part of the university’s annual Reunions weekend programming.
According to program materials, the conference will bring together founders, investors, researchers, alumni, and industry leaders to discuss how emerging technologies and university research move from laboratories into commercial markets and real-world applications.
Organizers say the event is intended to showcase how Princeton research and entrepreneurship initiatives contribute to innovation in fields including artificial intelligence, biotech and life sciences, education technology, fintech, energy and environmental technology, social enterprise, and the humanities.
This year’s conference is expected to feature more than 60 speakers, panelists, and networking leaders participating in discussions, breakout sessions, and themed networking “mingle rooms” focused on specific industries and innovation sectors.
Program materials state that attendees will have opportunities to participate in fireside chats, panel discussions, networking receptions, and specialized breakout sessions focused on areas including AI innovation, deep tech, clean technology, health technology, strategic partnerships, venture capital, and startup development.
One featured session, “Commercializing Deep Tech Innovations,” will examine how advanced technologies move from research concepts into scalable businesses. Speakers are expected to include Ben Solomon ’06, Asmod Karki ’16, Panthini Patel, and software developer Justin Frankel.
Another featured session, “AI Innovations,” will spotlight work connected to the New Jersey AI Hub and Princeton-area startup development. The session is expected to include discussions involving AI startups and commercialization efforts growing through the regional innovation ecosystem.
The conference will also include sessions highlighting student entrepreneurship initiatives through Princeton Student Ventures, where undergraduate founders will discuss startup projects and entrepreneurship efforts emerging from the university community.
A featured “Lake-side Chat” will include Princeton engineering professor Craig Arnold and entrepreneur Sashank Rishyasringa ’06, co-founder of fintech company Axio, which was recently acquired by Amazon. According to program materials, the discussion will focus on scaling technology companies, securing investment capital, and building international innovation partnerships.
The Princeton-India Global Innovation Panel is also expected to examine venture capital, fintech, climate technology, and international innovation partnerships tied to India’s growing technology sector and Princeton’s entrepreneurship initiatives abroad.
The conference reflects Princeton University’s broader efforts to expand its role in startup development, technology commercialization, and industry collaboration. In recent years, the university has increased support for entrepreneurship programming, venture development, and commercialization efforts tied to faculty research and student innovation.
Princeton Innovation, the university initiative organizing the conference, works with researchers, students, investors, and outside organizations to help move discoveries and technologies into the marketplace.
The office supports patent development, startup creation, licensing efforts, and partnerships between university researchers and private industry.
The conference also highlights the growing importance of the regional innovation ecosystem surrounding Princeton and central New Jersey. The region has seen increasing investment and activity tied to artificial intelligence, life sciences, clean technology, advanced computing, and pharmaceutical research, with universities, startups, and established corporations working more closely together on commercialization and research initiatives.
Organizers say the conference is intended not only as a networking opportunity for alumni and investors, but also as a way to connect students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders working across multiple industries and disciplines.
Networking “mingle rooms” are expected to focus on specialized topics including AI and machine learning, climate and sustainability technologies, strategic industry partnerships, healthcare innovation, and venture funding.
The event will also include opportunities for startup founders and investors to discuss funding trends, commercialization challenges, and the evolving relationship between university research and private-sector investment.
University materials state that last year’s inaugural Princeton Innovation Conference attracted more than 400 alumni, entrepreneurs, faculty members, investors, and startup leaders.
The Office of Innovation describes the conference as part of Princeton’s continuing effort to strengthen connections between research, entrepreneurship, and economic development while encouraging collaboration across industries and disciplines.
More information and registration details are available at innovation.princeton.edu.
