World Conference announcement: speak at IASP 2026 Sophia Antipolis

From 27-30 October 2026, IASP member Sophia Antipolis, will host IASP’s 43rd World Conference in France. This year’s event will focus on the theme: “Tech for Humanity: Shaping values for a human-centered future” 

The Call for Contributions is now open! IASP invites experts, professionals, and researchers from science and technology parks (STPs), areas of innovation (AOIs), and innovation districts (IDs) around the world to submit proposals for a chance to present at #IASPSophiaAntipolis. 

We encourage you to review the Call for Contributions, explore the full list of sessions, and share your ideas on how your work is advancing innovation spaces and their impact globally. 

We are living an era of unprecedented technological progress, marked by rapid breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, and other disruptive fields. While these advancements offer powerful new tools to help humanity manage the situation, they also bring profound ethical, social, and environmental challenges, which could make humanity more vulnerable. Access to these emerging technologies remains limited for the majority of the population, which in turn creates new issues and threats that we are now facing.  

The theme calls for a necessary and urgent paradigm shift: from innovation for its own sake to innovation with purpose. It emphasises a human-centred approach, where science, technology, and innovation are guided by values, ethics, and the goal of improving people’s lives. Rather than asking only “Can we build this?”, this theme challenges us to also ask “Should we?” and “How can we ensure it truly serves humanity?”. This vision is built on the belief that innovation must advance human well-being and societal progress, defining the principles and values that should govern technological development to promote a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future. 

"Tech for Humanity" reminds us that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around, and that responsible innovation is key to building a fairer, more sustainable future for all. 

Save the Date! 

Whether you submit a proposal or simply want to explore how technology can be shaped in an ethical and human centered way, join us in Sophia Antipolis in October 2026. Experience the region’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, rich history, culture, and gastronomy, and connect with peers shaping the future of tech and innovation ecosystems. 

Stay updated through the conference website and follow #IASPSophiaAntipolis on social media for the latest news.