​Emerging Tech Innovation Summit 2026: Policy, Power & Production

​The future of technology isn’t just being coded—it’s being regulated, scaled, and funded.

​Join 1871 for a comprehensive, full-day summit bringing together builders, investors, policymakers, and enterprise leaders across AI, Quantum, and Web3. This year, we’ve combined our specialized tracks into a single powerhouse day. Step into the room to separate hype from reality, explore the guardrails shaping development, and see the next generation of breakthrough startups pitch live.

​The Agenda At-A-Glance

​🏛️PART 1: The Policy Track | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

​MORNING OVERVIEW: The rules governing AI, autonomous vehicles, and digital assets in Illinois are being written right now. Not next year. Not in Washington. Here, in Springfield, in agency offices, in committee rooms — by people who may or may not have enough practitioners, builders, and technologists in the conversation. This morning changes that. Convergence: Tech Policy Institute brings together the legislators writing the bills, the regulators enforcing them, and the companies operating inside the gaps — for three hours of the most consequential policy conversation Chicago has had this year. Come ready to think, push back, and leave with a point of view.

​🤝 MORNING AGENDA — POLICY TRACK | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

​< 8:30 DOORS OPEN. Please arrive promptly before 9:00 AM. >

​9:00 Welcome Remarks — Betsy Ziegler (1871) + Arry Yu (C:TPI)

​9:20 Fireside Chat: "The Myth of the AI Race" — Alvin Wang Graylin, Author, Our Next Reality | Stanford HAI Fellow | Former Global VP/China President of HTC, in conversation with Arry Yu

​9:50 Panel 1: Who Is Responsible When AI Acts? + Illinois AI Safety Bill — Arry Yu (Moderator) + Representative TBA (IL) + Jason Rosensweig, PhD, Senior Policy Advisor, Illinois Department of Human Rights

​10:30 Panel 2: Sustainable Transportation of the Future — Landon Campbell (Moderator) + Lara Dailey (Waymo) + Rep. Buckner (IL) + Sen. Hastings (IL)

​11:00 Panel 3 Presented by the Digital Chamber and the Illinois Blockchain Association: Digital Assets in Illinois — Olta Andoni (Digital Chamber + IBA, and Moderator) + Mike Frisch (IL Blockchain Association) + Chris Georgen (Stand with Crypto)

​11:40 Closing + Chicago Accord Update + Three Asks — Arry Yu

​🤝 THE MIDDAY CONNECT | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

​Network, grab lunch, and dive into focused, concurrent community tracks:

• ​Claude Code Meetup: Hosted in partnership with Anthropic— A 20 minute AMA Session with Claude with open networking for founders, developers, and builders.

• ​Private Corporate Innovation Meetup: Closed-door collaboration for enterprise leaders.

• ​Private Founder & Investor Lunch: Curated networking for founders and funders.

​💥 PART 2: The Innovation Track | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

​The afternoon shifts gears into pure execution, scaling, and fundraising.

​1:15 Innovation Welcome Remarks — Betsy Ziegler (1871) + Patrick Doyle, Business Development Executive, Morningstar + Seth Sprinkle, Global Head of AI Platforms Strategy & Partnerships, Morningstar

​1:40 Keynote Conversation with Harper Reed — Harper Reed, CEO, 2389.ai | Hacker & Entrepreneur | Former CTO, Obama 2012 Campaign | Founder, Modest Inc. (acquired by PayPal)

​2:05 1871 Founder Showcase — The companies moving the needle in AI, quantum, and Web3.

​2:15 Networking Break

​2:40 Short Series: "How Is Emerging Tech Defining the Future of the Workforce?" — Dave Barnett, Chief Administrative Officer, DeVry + Jessica Fowler, Senior Manager, Human Capital, Deloitte

​3:00 Short Series: "How Do You Maintain a Moat in the Age of Rapid AI Development?" — Ryan Murphy, Supply Chain Architect, Microsoft + Chris Falloon, Head of Portfolio Development, Dell Technologies Capital

​3:30 Short Series: "What Is the Real Speed Limit of AI?" — Sunny Elebua, SVP & Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, Exelon + Michael Fassnacht, Chief Growth Officer & President, Chicagoland, Clayco + Alaina Harkness, CEO, Current

​3:45 Networking Break

​4:10 1871 × TechRise Emerging Tech Pitch Competition — Top founders compete live on stage for a non-dilutive $25,000 prize pool.

​5:10 Closing Remarks — Host

​5:15 Startup Alley & Happy Hour — Live product demos at the startup booths and open networking with the builders behind them.

​👥 Who Should Attend?

• ​Founders & Builders looking for funding, technical meetups (Anthropic), and actionable growth strategies.

• ​Investors scouting the next wave of midwest tech talent at the TechRise pitch competition and 1871 Founder Showcase.

• ​Enterprise Leaders & Policy Enthusiasts needing to de-risk their tech roadmaps against upcoming regulations and infrastructure constraints.

​Note on Ticketing: This is a combined, full-day event. Your registration grants you access to both the morning Policy track and the afternoon Innovation track. Select mid-day lunch sessions are private and require separate RSVPs.