ARK Big Ideas Summit 2026

The ARK Big Ideas Summit 2026 in St. Petersburg, FL brings together leading investors, technologists, founders, and ecosystem builders for a day exploring the future of disruptive innovation.

Hosted by spARK Labs by ARK Invest at the ARK Innovation Center, the Summit convenes voices from across ARK Invest’s five innovation platforms, including artificial intelligence, robotics, energy storage, multi-omics, and blockchain, while showcasing the work being built at spARK Labs.

Held during SOF Week and following the Tampa Bay Tech PoweredUp Conference, the Summit extends the conversation at a time when global innovation leaders are already convening in the region. This creates a unique opportunity for meaningful connection, collaboration, and idea exchange.

Cathie Wood of ARK Invest will be joined by leaders from Target, Draper Associates, Tampa General Hospital, Raymond James, and more.

Tickets are limited to 200 attendees. Secure your spot today!

Info: Coffee and networking reception.

Info: Members of the ARK Invest Research team will explore the latest breakthroughs and emerging trends from the Big Ideas 2026 research report across ARK’s five innovation platforms, including artificial intelligence, robotics, energy storage, multi-omics, and blockchain, highlighting how these technologies are reshaping the global economy.

Moderator: Brett Winton
Panelists: Daniel Maguire, Shea Wihlborg, Lorenzo Valente, and Frank Downing

Info: Special Operations leaders, innovators, and investors will discuss what’s possible in support of national strategic goals and initiatives.

Moderator: Brad Chedister (Defense Innovation Leader)
Panelists: Bryon Kroger (Rise8) and Michael Anderson (Seagate Space)

Info: A dynamic panel with investors discussing the evolving capital landscape for frontier technology and innovation.

Moderator: Chase Prather (ARK Venture Fund)
Panelists: Dillon Auxier (Plato Studio), Andy Tang (Draper Associates), and Anand Subramanian (Raymond James)

Info: Five companies from spARK Labs by ARK Invest will take the stage to present their innovations.

Info: Cathie Wood from ARK Invest will sit down with a leading industry voice for a forward-looking conversation on what's next in innovation.

Panelists: Brian Cornell (Target), John Couris (TGH), and Ted Mabrey (Palantir)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Ark Innovation Center | 2nd Floor Innovation Foundation Hall, 1101 4th Street South, St. Petersburg, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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