UIIN Conference

See you in 2027!

Where academia, industry and technology come together to redefine co-creation and shape the next steps for lasting impact.

In a world where innovation depends on collaboration, we bring together leaders from academia, industry and technology to explore how partnerships can deliver meaningful change.

Through global keynotes and hands-on sessions, we’ll unpack what it takes to scale innovation and commercialisation, build future-ready talent ecosystems, and forge strategic partnerships that deliver real societal value.

Join us to connect with global peers, exchange experiences, and uncover actionable approaches that turn ideas into impact.

550+

Delegates from 40+ countries

110+

Sessions & workshops

170+

Speakers from academia, industry and policy

Years of impact

What our attendees say

"I come to UIIN to learn what others are doing—the learning never stops. I never leave a session without something I can take back and apply".

Marc Sedam , Vice President, Technology Opportunities and Ventures

"It was eye-opening to see people across the globe working toward the same goal of innovation. I realised the challenges we face, like breaking silos, are shared by other universities too. It was helpful to see how they’re bridging internal gaps to support industry partnerships".

Meghna Mathur , Business Partnership Associate

"The UIIN conference is always a highlight, with great networking and content. For us as a business, the key benefit lies in gaining a better understanding of universities".

Max Riedel , Head of ZEISS Innovation Hub @ KIT

"This conference gives a truly global perspective on university-industry collaboration. In the U.S., we often see things from a national lens, but here, I’ve engaged with experts from Australia, Europe, and beyond—gaining insights I wouldn’t have found anywhere else".

Will Metcalf , Associate V.P. for Research Development & Strategic Partnerships

"I’ve been attending the UIIN Conference since 2013, and the global connections I’ve made have truly lasted. The networking and educational opportunities are excellent—I’ve taken them back to my work across three universities".

Yatin Karpe , Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Commercialisation

"This is the conference for anyone involved in external engagement. The connections you make and the talks are always highly relevant — from regional and ecosystem development to internal tools for engagement. It’s fantastic".

Finola Howe , Head of Enterprise and Engagement

"The connections you make at this conference are invaluable. A chance encounter here led to collaborations across continents, from research projects to university partnerships. Year after year, I see how these ‘serendipitous collisions’ turn into lasting professional relationships and meaningful opportunities".

Joe Steensma , Professor of Practice

Innovate. Ideate. Inspire.

The UIIN Conference is a 3-days packed schedule, where over 100 speakers will cover topics like entrepreneurial universities, future-ready graduates, strategic partnerships, research valorisation, innovation ecosystems, and the evolving role of higher education in society. From inspiring keynotes to hands-on workshops, the agenda is designed to spark new thinking and actionable ideas.