About this Event
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 Investโs 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!
Agenda
๐: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Arrival & Networking
Info: Coffee and networking reception.
๐: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
ARK Invest Research Panel: Big Ideas 2026
Info: Members of the ARK Invest Research team will explore the latest breakthroughs and emerging trends from the Big Ideas 2026 research report across ARKโs 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
๐: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Networking Intermission
๐: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Public Private Partnership Panel
Info: Special Operations leaders, innovators, and investors will discuss whatโs possible in support of national strategic goals and initiatives.
Moderator: Brad Chedister (Defense Innovation Leader)
Panelists: Bryon Kroger (Rise8) and Michael Anderson (Seagate Space)
๐: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Networking Lunch & Tours of spARK Labs
๐: 01:45 PM - 02:45 PM
Investor Panel: Capital, Conviction & the Future of Innovation
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)
๐: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Networking Intermission
๐: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
spARK Labs Innovation Showcase
Info: Five companies from spARK Labs by ARK Invest will take the stage to present their innovations.
๐: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Networking Intermission
๐: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Headline Panel: The Future of Innovation
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)
๐: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Happy Hour & Networking Reception
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Ark Innovation Center | 2nd Floor Innovation Foundation Hall, 1101 4th Street South, St. Petersburg, United States
USD 161.90












