Innovation is rarely the work of a single inventor or organization. It succeeds when researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, technology leaders, healthcare innovators, and business executives work together to transform bold ideas into real-world impact.
That collaborative journey will take center stage during the Greater Irvine Chamber's Innovator's Journey on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Karma Automotive Executive & Design Headquarters.
Designed for CEOs, founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and senior executives, the Chamber's premier executive event explores how breakthrough ideas become market-ready solutions that strengthen businesses, improve lives, and shape the future of Orange County's innovation economy.
Moderated by Dave Coffaro, President & CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber, the executive panel brings together accomplished leaders representing every stage of the innovation ecosystem:
Janelle Brunette, Chief Operating Officer of Octane and incoming Chief Executive Officer, has helped positionOctane as one of the nation's leading technology accelerators. She will discuss how strong innovation ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and access to capital help entrepreneurs transform breakthrough ideas into high-growth companies while strengthening Southern California's position as a global center for technology and medical technology innovation.
Sarah Liang, Partner, Global Responsible AI Leader, and Americas Digital Risk Emerging Technology Solutions Leader at EY, will explore how organizations can responsibly adopt artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation while managing emerging risks. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience advising global organizations, Liang helps companies integrate AI governance, privacy, security, and regulatory compliance into their AI strategies—enabling them to build trust, scale AI capabilities, and create lasting competitive advantage.
Thomas Katavic, Head of Digital at Hoag, will share how digital strategy, product innovation, and emerging technologies are transforming healthcare. His work at Hoag focuses on developing digital products and services that improve patient access, strengthen continuity of care, and enhance experiences for patients, providers, and the broader community.
Ryan Honary, Founder and CEO of SensoRyAI, represents the next generation of innovators applying artificial intelligence to solve critical societal challenges. Inspired by California's devastating wildfires, Honary has developed AI-powered technologies that help communities assess wildfire risk before ignition and detect fires in their earliest stages. His technology is now being deployed through a partnership with the City of Irvine, Orange County Fire Authority, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy to establish a large-scale wildfire detection and risk assessment network throughout the Irvine Open Space Preserve—demonstrating how entrepreneurial innovation can help protect lives, property, and natural resources.
The program concludes with an Executive Conversation and a live autonomous robotics demonstration from Field AI, offering attendees an up-close look at how autonomous artificial intelligence is moving from research and development into real-world applications.
Together, the panel illustrates the complete innovation continuum, from startup growth and ecosystem development to responsible AI, digital transformation, and technologies that are solving real-world challenges while creating new opportunities across industries.
Setting the stage for the discussion, keynote speaker Errol Arkilic, Chief Innovation Officer at UC Irvine and Executive Director of UCI Beall Applied Innovation, will explore the complete innovation lifecycle—from breakthrough discovery and commercialization to market adoption—and why market risk often outweighs technology risk when bringing new ideas to market.
Marques McCammon, President of Karma Automotive, will deliver a signature executive address, sharing how leadership, vision, and strategic execution continue to drive innovation within one of Southern California's most forward-thinking automotive companies.
Attendees will gain practical strategies for commercializing ideas, implementing emerging technologies responsibly, scaling innovative businesses, leading organizational transformation, and building the strategic partnerships that fuel long-term growth.
Innovator's Journey will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Karma Automotive Executive & Design Headquarters, 9950 Jeronimo Road, Irvine.
Registration includes an executive networking reception, chef-curated plated lunch, and complimentary parking.
Early Bird Registration is available through Monday, Aug. 10, at $210 for Greater Irvine Chamber members and $260 for non-members.
Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 11, Regular Admission is $260 for members and $305 for non-members.
At-the-door registration is $265 for 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.
