Bold Ideas. Real-World Impact.
Every innovation begins with a bold idea—but only a select few successfully navigate the journey from concept to commercialization, creating meaningful impact along the way.
The Greater Irvine Chamber will present Innovator's Journey on Thursday, Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Karma Automotive Executive & Design Headquarters, 9950 Jeronimo Rd. in Irvine. Designed for CEOs, founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and senior executives, the Chamber's premier innovation event explores how breakthrough ideas become market-ready solutions that shape the future of Orange County's innovation economy.
Hosted at Karma Automotive, the immersive program will feature keynote speaker Errol Arkilic, chief innovation officer at UC Irvine and executive director of UCI Beall Applied Innovation.
A nationally recognized leader in technology commercialization and entrepreneurship, Arkilic has dedicated his career to helping transform groundbreaking research into successful companies and real-world solutions. As an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps program, he has helped thousands of innovators bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization.
Drawing on those experiences, Arkilic will explore the complete innovation journey—from discovery and customer validation to commercialization, growth, and long-term impact. Central to his message is the idea that market risk—not technology risk—is often the greatest challenge innovators face. Success depends not only on developing breakthrough technologies, but on understanding customer needs, validating market demand, and building solutions that people are willing to adopt.
The program will include a panel conversation and live autonomous robotics demonstration by Field AI, bringing the day's theme to life by showcasing innovation in action.
Attendees will gain practical strategies for accelerating innovation, valuable insights from one of the nation's leading commercialization experts, and opportunities to connect with fellow executives, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and business leaders driving Southern California's innovation ecosystem.
Registration includes an executive networking reception, a chef-curated plated lunch, and complimentary parking. Early Bird Registration is available through Monday, August 10, at $210 for Greater Irvine Chamber Members and $260 for Non-Members. Beginning Tuesday, August 11, Regular Admission is $260 for Greater Irvine Chamber Members and $305 for Non-Members. At-the-Door Registration is $265 for Greater Irvine Chamber Members and $330 for Non-Members.
Advance registration is recommended.
To register or learn more about sponsorship and expo table opportunities, contact events@irvinechamber.com.
