Berkeley Innovation Forum Europe 2026 brings together business leaders, researchers, and innovation practitioners to exchange perspectives on today’s most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities.
12–13 November 2026 · KTU M-Lab · Kaunas, Lithuania
Berkeley Innovation Forum Europe 2026 is a two-day executive forum for senior leaders navigating the strategic implications of artificial intelligence, ecosystem transformation, and open innovation.
11 November 2026 · KTU M-Lab · Kaunas, Lithuania
The forum will be preceded by the official opening of the KTU Open Innovation Centre.
The BIF story
Where open innovation became executive practice
Berkeley Innovation Forum originated at UC Berkeley as a space for corporate innovation leaders to examine real strategic challenges through research, executive experience and candid peer exchange. BIF Europe brings this tradition to Kaunas, connecting Berkeley-originated open innovation thinking with the technology, business and innovation questions European organisations are facing now.
The promise of BIF Europe
Open innovation for resilient businesses
BIF Europe connects companies with researchers, technology experts, startups, public-sector actors and other organisations that can help them explore challenges beyond their internal boundaries. Through KTU Open Innovation Centre, conversations at the forum can continue into expert connections, validation, pilots and longer-term partnerships.
Hear from globally recognised executives, researchers, and innovation leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence, open innovation, and digital transformation. Featured speakers bring perspectives from industry, academia, and high-growth technology ecosystems to explore how organisations can unlock strategic advantage in an increasingly AI-driven world.
AI is not just another technology wave; it is a force multiplier that changes how organisations operate. This year’s forum tackles a central question: where AI value is created, who captures it, what risks emerge, and how to govern open innovation in this new environment.
The forum focuses on how organisations work with universities, startups, suppliers, customers, research groups, and public institutions without losing strategic control.
BIF Europe is designed around executive exchange. Participants will compare approaches with leaders facing similar strategic decisions across industries, markets, and innovation ecosystems.
The event also marks the opening of KTU Open Innovation Centre, creating a direct bridge between international thought leadership and Lithuania’s emerging open innovation platform.
BIF Europe 2026 · 12–13 November, 2026
KTU M-Lab, Studentų str. 63a, LT-51369, Kaunas, Lithuania
BIF Europe 2026 is built around one strategic question: how can companies use AI and open innovation to create value without losing control?
Across two focused days, the forum will connect Berkeley’s open innovation thinking, KTU’s technological and research capabilities, and the real strategic challenges facing European companies. The programme is designed for senior leaders who need to make better decisions about AI, partnerships, ecosystems, data, IP, cybersecurity, and value capture.
Official pre-event · 11 November 2026
BIF Europe will be preceded by the official opening of the KTU Open Innovation Centre.
16:00–16:30 Keynote: Orchestrating an open innovation ecosystem
16:30–17:15 KTU OIC’s ambition and future
17:30–18:30 Official opening of the KTU Open Innovation Centre
18:30–19:30 Curated networking reception
08:00–09:15 Networking breakfast and executive briefing
09:15–10:00 Networking activity
10:00–10:45 Keynote: Building Digital Ecosystem Business
10:45–11:45 Panel discussion: Cybersecurity future
12:15–13:30 Innovation Agency challenge
14:45–15:15 Keynote: AI in Manufacturing and Electronics
15:15–16:15 Panel discussion: AI in Manufacturing and Electronics
16:45–17:45 Panel discussion: What the open innovation ecosystem can build together in 12 months
16:45–17:45 Evening programme: Making Client Venturing thrive
08:00–09:00 Networking breakfast
09:00–10:00 Keynote: Does AI substitute or complement human talents?
10:00–11:00 Panel discussion: Does AI substitute or complement human talents?
11:00–11:30 Networking coffee
11:30–12:00 Keynote: Future of AI
12:00–13:00 Panel discussion: Open innovation and AI – opportunities, threats, and value capture
13:00–14:00 Networking lunch
14:00–14:30 Keynote: Venture Clienting & Trends
14:30–16:00 Venture Clienting workshop: Impulse, Self-assessment, Peer exchange, Best practices and Assessment
16:00–17:00 Closing: Beyond BIFE – the next chapter for OIC members
Main Partner
Bringing Berkeley’s open innovation research, executive perspective and international network into the BIF Europe programme.
Main Communication Partner
Supporting the wider conversation around AI, innovation and competitiveness and bringing insights from BIF Europe to audiences beyond the forum.
Partners
Organisations and collaborators contributing to the forum through knowledge exchange, ecosystem connections, and shared innovation initiatives.
Join the full BIF Europe 2026 programme as an individual participant.
Join as a team of 3 or more to align your organisation around new ideas, partners and opportunities. Team tickets are €1,000 + VAT per person.
KTU OIC membership includes 3 BIF Europe tickets and opens access to year-round strategic sessions, expert matchmaking and innovation partnership opportunities.
Join the full BIF Europe 2026 programme as an individual participant.
Join as a team of 3 or more to align your organisation around new ideas, partners and opportunities. Team tickets are €1,000 + VAT per person.
KTU OIC membership includes 3 BIF Europe tickets and opens access to year-round strategic sessions, expert matchmaking and innovation partnership opportunities.
By Plane
Kaunas Airport (KUN) is the nearest airport, approximately 15 km from the city centre. Bus 29G connects the airport with central Kaunas in around 30–40 minutes, and taxis or ride-hailing services are available outside the terminal.
Vilnius Airport (VNO) is the main international airport in Lithuania, located approximately 100 km from Kaunas. Participants arriving in Vilnius can travel to Kaunas by train, intercity bus, or private transfer. The usual travel time is around 1.5–2 hours, depending on the connection.
By Taxi
Licensed taxis and ride-share services (Bolt, Uber) operate throughout Kaunas. From Kaunas airport or bus station, rides to the conference venue take 15–25 minutes.
By Train
If you are arriving at Vilnius Airport, you can take a train from Vilnius Railway Station to Kaunas Railway Station. Trains run frequently (approximately every 1–2 hours), and the journey takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. Train tickets and schedules: https://ltglink.lt/en
By Bus
International and intercity buses arrive at Kaunas Bus Station (Vytauto Ave. 24). From there, KTU M-Lab (Studentų St. 63) can be reached by public transport heading towards the KTU campus area. After getting off at a stop near Studentų Street or the KTU campus, the venue is only a short walk away.
BIF Europe 2026 is designed for senior leaders and decision-makers involved in innovation, strategy, technology, digital transformation, R&D, business development, partnerships, AI adoption, and corporate transformation. The forum is especially relevant for CEOs, board members, innovation leaders, CTOs, CIOs, R&D leaders, business development teams, corporate venture leads in technology companies, public innovation actors and researchers working with industry.
The ticket includes access to the BIF Europe 2026 programme, including keynotes, panels, business challenge sessions, networking formats, coffee breaks, lunches, and selected evening networking activities. Travel and accommodation are not included.
No. The programme is relevant for large companies, scale-ups, technology firms, public organisations and innovation ecosystem actors. However, the forum is especially designed for organisations with serious strategic questions around AI, open innovation, technology adoption and cross-sector collaboration.
Yes. Start-ups are welcome where their technologies, capabilities or business models are relevant to the forum themes. BIF Europe will include formats connecting large companies, technology firms, start-ups, researchers and ecosystem actors.
Yes. Public sector organisations, municipalities, innovation agencies and policy actors are relevant participants, especially where their work relates to AI adoption, digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, public-private partnerships, technology regulation, procurement, data governance or regional competitiveness.
The main language of BIF Europe 2026 will be English.
KTU M-Lab is expected to support accessibility needs. Participants with specific accessibility requirements should contact the organising team in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Director, KTU Open Innovation Centre
phone: +370 633 030 72
email: lukas.geryba@ktu.lt
Studentų str. 63a, MLab210, LT-51369, Kaunas Lithuania
General enquiries: openinnovation@ktu.lt
