Meet our opening keynote and explore what's in store at IASP 2026

We are pleased to announce Juan Alonso, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University and Co-founder & CTO of Luminary.ai, as the Opening Keynote speaker for the upcoming 43rd IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation. 

Taking place across Cannes and Sophia Antipolis, France, from 27 to 30 October 2026, this year's conference will bring together professionals from science parks, innovation districts, research institutions, governments, universities, and industry to explore the theme ‘Tech for humanity: shaping values for a human-centric future’. As the opening keynote, Prof. Alonso will set the stage for four days of discussions on how breakthrough technologies can improve lives while addressing society's greatest challenges. 

From science fiction to reality 

What if the flying cars once imagined in The Jetsons were no longer science fiction? 

Prof. Alonso's keynote ‘The Promise and Future of Urban Air Mobility’ will open the conference by examining one of the most exciting technological frontiers transforming the way we live, move and connect, exploring how technologies once confined to science fiction are rapidly becoming reality.  

Advances in electric propulsion, autonomous systems, lightweight materials and aircraft design are paving the way for a new generation of electric aircraft capable of transforming how people and goods move through our cities. Drawing on decades of pioneering research, he will examine the technological breakthroughs making Urban Air Mobility possible, the engineering and regulatory challenges that remain, and the potential for these innovations to improve emergency response, reduce congestion and contribute to smarter, more sustainable urban environments. 

His keynote perfectly reflects the spirit of this year's conference, which will explore how innovation ecosystems can harness emerging technologies responsibly and ensure they deliver meaningful benefits for people and communities. 

A world-leading expert in aerospace innovation 

Prof. Alonso is internationally recognised as one of the world's leading experts in aerospace engineering and computational aircraft design. At Stanford University, he is the founder and director of the Aerospace Design Laboratory (ADL), where he leads pioneering research into advanced computational methods for designing next-generation aerospace systems. 

His distinguished career spans academia, government and entrepreneurship. In addition to leading internationally recognised research at Stanford, he served as Director of NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program, overseeing research into the future of sustainable aviation, and today is Co-founder and CTO of Luminary.ai, a company applying Physics AI and high-performance computing to transform engineering design across aerospace, automotive and defence industries. 

Bringing together expertise in cutting-edge research, public policy and deep-tech entrepreneurship, Prof. Alonso offers a unique perspective on how ambitious ideas evolve into technologies with real societal impact, perfectly reflecting this year's conference theme. 

Experience innovation where it happens 

Hosted by Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park, the 43rd IASP World Conference gives delegates a rare opportunity to experience innovation not only through discussions, but also by visiting the organisations and people driving it every day. 

Over four days, delegates will take part in plenary discussions, breakout sessions and networking activities covering a wide range of topics, including responsible AI, innovation diplomacy, future skills, smart cities, sustainability and cross-border collaboration. The programme is designed to encourage knowledge exchange between professionals shaping innovation ecosystems across the globe. 

Participants will also experience innovation first-hand through a series of exclusive technical tours to leading organisations in Sophia Antipolis and the surrounding region. From global technology companies and pioneering research centres to startup hubs and AI initiatives, these visits provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the local innovation ecosystem translates research into economic and societal impact. 

Beyond the conference programme 

The conversations don't stop when the sessions end. Throughout the week, delegates will connect during a carefully curated social programme featuring receptions, networking events and memorable evenings in Sophia Antipolis, Cannes and Antibes, creating the perfect setting to exchange ideas and build lasting international connections in one of Europe's iconic destinations. 

Delegates looking to make the most of their time on the French Riviera can also choose from a range of optional cultural tours, including wine tasting, olive oil experiences, perfume creation in Grasse and visits to some of the region's most iconic attractions. Those staying until the end of the conference will also have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary VIP tickets to the Antibes Sharks basketball game on 30 October, available exclusively to IASP World Conference delegates! Have a look at the special tours in store for our delegates and make sure you book your experience and get time in your agenda to experience this. 

Registration is still open! Don’t miss your chance to join our innovation community. We look forward to welcoming you to Sophia Antipolis and the French Riviera in October.