As one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems in the U.S., Arizona has emerged as a hub of innovation, often called “Silicon Valley 2.0.”
The region has gained prominence in semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, defense, drones, autonomous electric vehicles, and medical, financial, and space technology.
We’re excited to announce that Innov8rs and the W. P. Carey School of Business of ASU are co-hosting a 2-day conference in Phoenix on 8-9 April 2025, welcoming a curated group of 250+ cross-industry innovation leaders for two days of in-depth conversations, relevant connections and quality content.
Innov8rs is a global community of corporate innovation leaders and professionals, supporting its members to solve their day-to-day challenges and improve outcomes, mostly by small-group peer to peer sharing sessions as well topical online workshops.
Since 2011 Innov8rs has hosted 35+ conferences in cities anywhere from San Francisco to Shanghai and Sydney to Stockholm. Not your typical conference, but intimate and interactive learning experiences with a focus on corporate innovation in practice.
The W. P. Carey School of Business has recently been ranked #1 in the U.S. and #2 in the world for entrepreneurship by Poets & Quants’ 2025 Best MBA Programs, ahead of prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan, Duke University, and UCLA. Additionally, for the 10th year in a row, Arizona State University has been ranked No. 1 in innovation in the newly released Best Colleges 2025 rankings by U.S. News & World Report — just one of many top distinctions earned by the university.
ASU has placed first in this peer-nominated category every year since its creation, consistently ranking ahead of MIT and Stanford University. The W. P. Carey School of Business prides itself on its mission to transform the world through access, excellence, and innovation in business knowledge. Its entrepreneurial vision aligns seamlessly with Innov8rs’ commitment to fostering innovation globally.
“After hosting events in 30-plus cities worldwide, we’re excited to bring Innov8rs to Phoenix, one of the most vibrant innovation ecosystems today,” said Hans Balmaekers, founder and chief at Innov8rs.
“At Innov8rs conferences, we dive into the best and latest in corporate innovation — from strategy and culture to venture building, open innovation, and AI. This year’s conference will also spotlight corporate innovators from Arizona’s thriving ecosystem, alongside innovation leaders from brands like 3M, Dupont, Unilever, Microsoft and WL Gore. If you have innovation your title, you don’t want to miss this one.”
“W. P. Carey is committed to partnering with global leaders who are driving meaningful innovation,” said Hitendra Chaturvedi, professor and faculty director of the graduate program in entrepreneurship and innovation at W. P. Carey.
“Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and our school’s culture of innovation make Phoenix the perfect host for the global Innov8rs conference. We aim to showcase the depth and breadth of W. P. Carey’s entrepreneurial assets, empowering leaders and businesses to thrive and disrupt like no other region in the world.
Arizona State University is the state’s secret weapon, driving the economy with graduates who possess an entrepreneurial mindset and are prepared to build and lead the next generation of global companies.”
For more information about the conference, and to apply to join, go to innov8rs.co/phoenix
For more information/media contacts:
Hans Balmaekers, Innov8rs – hans@innov8rs.co
Shay Moser, W. P. Carey School of Business – shay.moser@asu.edu
