The Times Higher Education (THE) Innovation & Impact Summit 2026 will take place at Korea University in Seoul from Nov. 17 to 19, bringing together global university leaders and industry experts to explore ways to turn academic research into commercially viable technologies and businesses. Under the theme "Universities, industry and investors: Connecting research with commercialisation," the three-day summit will examine strategies for strengthening cooperation between academia and industry, attracting investment and fostering innovation. The event comes as universities worldwide face growing pressure to demonstrate the economic and social impact of their research amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and intensifying global competition for technological leadership. The event is expected to draw more than 300 participants from over 150 institutions and organizations worldwide, including university leaders, researchers, investors and industry experts. More than 80 speakers will take part in keynote speeches, panel discussions and workshops focused on translating academic bre