Innovation Ahead by IRI

The Holland Award Address will be delivered by the recipients of the 2025 Maurice Holland Award, presented annually by IRI to honor the most outstanding paper published in the prior year’s volume of Research-Technology Management (RTM). Named for IRI’s founder, Maurice Holland, the award recognizes exceptional thought leadership that advances the practice of innovation and industrial research. During this address, this year’s winning authors will present the findings of their award-winning paper, Integrating AI into the Front End of New Product Development, by Tucker Marion, Chelsea Yuan, and Mohsen Moghaddam.

Work with your fellow innovators to identify the key issues that will shape innovation in the near future in this interactive session. Share challenges, solutions, and learn what issues are keeping your peers up at night and what they are doing to address them now.

Learn about Evonik, ENEOS Americas, and NSF’s approach to partnering and venturing – and how co-innovation can accelerate your growth through relationships with traditional and non-traditional partners. You’ll walk away with insights into practical approaches for co-innovation that will drive strategic value, scale new ideas and strengthen the innovation pipeline.

This session explores EMD’s new cross‑business initiative centered on Microphysiological Systems (MPS), cutting‑edge in vitro platforms that model human organ function to accelerate drug development and reduce animal testing. Sakshi will discuss how the initiative came to life, the strategies used to align multiple business units, and the practical lessons learned from driving collaboration at scale.

Hear how NVIDIA and Lubrizol are using AI to deliver tangible business results—from improving productivity and decision-making to unlocking new revenue and operating models. Learn what it takes to move from pilots to scalable deployments, align AI investments with strategic priorities, and measure impact that matters.

Explore how organizations balance innovation within their core businesses while simultaneously pursuing opportunities beyond them. Hear perspectives on aligning strategy, capabilities, and culture to drive growth both inside and outside the core.

Balancing structure and creativity in new product development (NPD) is a persistent challenge. A well-defined NPD process is essential for managing portfolios and accelerating project velocity, yet too much rigidity can stifle innovation. Learn about Milliken’s journey to strike that balance—resulting in a harmonized NPD framework that maintains core process elements across the organization while allowing tailored approaches for different types of product development. The harmonized system not only supports a vibrant innovation culture but also generates valuable data for assessing future portfolio value. It enables leaders to evaluate pipeline sufficiency and empowers individual project teams to adapt the process for maximum effectiveness.

Explore the global forces reshaping industry, technology, and innovation, and what they mean for organizations navigating rapid change. Gain perspective on how you can anticipate disruption, build resilience, and position your enterprise for long-term impact.

Join Saket Navlakha, Associate Professor at the Simons Center for Quantitative Biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, for a fascinating discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping scientific research and innovation. From his pioneering work on “algorithms in nature” to co-founding Knose.AI—a start-up digitizing smell—Navlakha shares how AI has accelerated discovery, transformed the innovation process, and fostered new partnerships. Explore the opportunities, challenges, and long-term implications of AI for research institutions and the future of science.

Discover how Hollister is innovating through strategic partnerships with universities, and learn about the organizational structure and vision that drive these collaborations. Hear firsthand about the motivations behind these initiatives, how Adrian Defante and his team align projects with Hollister’s goals, and what it takes to be a successful partner. Explore real wins and learn how ROI is approached, along with the challenges encountered along the way. Whether you’re interested in building industry-academic collaborations or simply want to stay ahead of future trends, this conversation will provide valuable perspectives and actionable advice for leaders and aspiring change-makers.

Panel discussion with Portia Yarborough, Chief Science and Sustainability Officer, Michelman, Nici Bush, Chief Innovation, Science, and Technology Officer, Mars, and Robert Fast, CEO, Fast Technology Advisors Moderator: Lee Green, Executive Director, IRI Leading IRI members look back on the day and highlight some of the key takeaways from the sessions and discussions, across key themes: – Impact of AI – Finding transformational opportunities – Building resilience in the face of uncertainty They’ll reflect and discuss some of the key next steps to put into action back at home to place you in the best position to innovate the future for your organization.

Facilitator: Jared Forman, Principal, Forvis Mazars, Rahim Rahim, Director, Forvis Mazars, and Hasan Agha, Managing Director and Chief Architect, ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Discuss the steps you have taken to cultivate new value chain partners — and those you believe you’ll need to take in the future — as well as how to develop the capabilities and technologies that your organization will need in order to work with them effectively. 

Panel discussion with Steven Montgomery, R&D Vice President, Bioindustrials, Cargill and Zara Summers, Chief Strategy Officer, LanzaTech Moderator: Sean Ammirati, CEO and Co-Founder, Growth Signals Many industries are going through transitions that mean the customers, partners, and suppliers of tomorrow may not be the same as those of today: Auto OEMs are working with electric utilities, polymer makers with waste management firms, and CPGs with biotechs. This session looks at how to identify and engage the new value chain partners you will need in the future.

Facilitator: Lou Gritzo, Chief Science Officer, FM We are navigating a complex landscape where growth, sustainability, and supply chain resilience must coexist. This session invites you to share how you’re adapting your strategies and guiding your teams through uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and stakeholder demands. Together, we’ll explore emerging gaps and practical tools to strengthen decision-making and future-proof operations. 

Panel discussion with Jose Miguel Bejarano, Innovation Development Lead, Siemens Energy, and Judodine Nichols, Chief Technology Officer, Principal Mineral Moderator: Amy Thorn, CEO, Supply Chain Leaders in Action Innovation teams have been challenged to not only deliver on growth drivers, but also to support sustainability efforts. On top of this, global trade disruptions have given them another urgent reason to further rethink how their firms source materials, components, and energy — a trend that’s now shifted into overdrive this year. This session explores how leaders can incorporate sustainability and supply chain into their processes and frameworks in this environment. 

Facilitator: Seif Hagag, Enterprise Account Manager, Uncountable  Discuss your team-building strategies and brainstorm on how to develop the skills, attributes, and experiences that your teams will need to flourish in the future.

Fireside chat with Jeff Goldman, Vice President, Enterprise Data Science, Procter & Gamble and Katie Trauth Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder, Narratize AI and other disruptive trends are challenging leaders to re-think the way they staff, build, and train their teams. Still, the robots aren’t ready to replace us all just yet, which means for the foreseeable future our teams will be made up of humans working with AI. Jeff Goldman will discuss the joint study between Harvard and Procter & Gamble, looking at the impacts of AI on collaboration, outlined in The Cybernetic Teammate: A Field Experiment on Generative AI Reshaping Teamwork and Expertise in conversation with Katie Trauth Taylor of product innovation platform developer Narratize.

Facilitator: Mike Holman, Senior Content Director, IRI This working session will help attendees to explore learnings from Andrea Kates’ keynote and begin to think through how to apply them in their organization. In light of the insights and 5-step model from the keynote, where do you see the biggest challenges for your organization right now — and where do you believe you need to go next?

Opening Keynote with Andrea Kates, Corporate Growth Strategist & Former Tech CEO In an era of unprecedented uncertainty, the greatest risk isn’t failing to innovate—it’s failing to scale innovation. Too many high-potential ventures die on the vine. We’re overwhelmed by the opportunities to innovate, and challenged by the pressure to get ahead of risks we can’t control. We need to be resilient. We need to navigate the chaos and uncertainty. We need to lead with a completely different mindset. We need to get talent on board. We need to collaborate in ways we’ve never done before. And, we need to unlearn a lot of the innovation disciplines that worked in the past.

In this episode, host Lee Green talks with Sean Amirati of Growth Signals about three trends R&D leaders should prepare for in 2026: proof-of-work artifacts that both humans and agents can use, the AI collaboration stack, and agentic workflows (including co-scientist systems). They discuss moving beyond pilots to deliver real value, strategies for workforce adoption and culture change, and practical ways to evaluate and scale AI-driven innovation within R&D.

This IRI podcast episode features Colin Scott of Innventure discussing how R&D leaders can reduce risk, be highly selective, and decide when to stop projects before committing major resources. Colin explains the needs‑led approach, critical factor assessment, and prioritization techniques, and shares the PureCycle case as an example of successful external commercialization. He closes with a mindset shift: let the market problem, not the technology, drive your decisions.

In this episode Lee Green interviews Lori Austino, DuPont’s global technology leader, about how the company defines and manages substances of concern. Lori explains the shift from acute to chronic toxicants, the development of internal standards and substance lists, and the principles that guide existing products versus new innovations. She reviews practical tools, alternatives assessment methods, and a workbook to support R&D decisions, and discusses challenges around supplier disclosure, waste streams, circularity, and avoiding regrettable substitutions. The episode closes with next steps for integrating sustainability into strategic value and ongoing cross-functional collaboration. Link to the database mentioned in the webinar

In this discussion, we explore the fast-changing role of modeling and machine learning in formulation design, shifting from a supportive tool to a driving force of innovation. Once a “nice to have,” computational modeling is now reducing reliance on costly, time-intensive experiments and accelerating product development across industries, from consumer goods to aerospace and semiconductors. We’ll highlight how advances in AI/ML and physics-based simulations are helping researchers manage the growing complexity of real-world formulations, bridging the gap between theory and commercial products. Whether you’re a formulation scientist, data enthusiast, or R&D leader, this session sheds light on how digital tools are reshaping the lab and the future of product innovation.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Thomas Steen, CTO of Nortek Data Center Cooling, as he shares his journey from aerospace engineering to the world of data centers. Discover the challenges and innovations in cooling technologies that are essential for operating today’s massive data centers, vital for AI advancements. Learn about Nortek's pioneering approach to efficiently managing power and water resources, essential to the future of sustainable and scalable data centers. Whether you're a scientist, engineer, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of data center infrastructure and what lies ahead.

In this episode, Meetal Desai is joined by Steve Hafif, the CEO of Cypris, to explore the challenges and solutions in knowledge management for R&D teams. Steve shares his expertise on the integration of AI into research and development workflows, emphasizing the importance of clean data systems and centralized information storage for improved decision-making. He outlines the evolution of AI tools in breaking down data silos, creating efficiencies, and fostering collaboration within organizations. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Cypris leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance research capabilities, offering valuable strategies for companies looking to optimize their R&D processes.

The Innovation Research Interchange podcast delves into the forefront of the innovation ecosystem, focusing on water technology and sustainability. Industry leaders discuss exciting advancements in research and development, including efforts to pilot groundbreaking technologies for extracting and managing critical minerals, and eliminating PFAS from water. This episode also highlights the importance of workforce development, showcasing various programs designed to create seamless career pathways in the water sector. Collaboration across industries, research institutions, and community partners is emphasized as integral to driving innovation forward, especially in regions rich in natural water resources like the Great Lakes. Listeners are offered insights into how strategic partnerships are fostering an environment ripe for innovation and how investing in infrastructure and R&D is essential for a sustainable future. Key speakers provide a comprehensive overview of the critical, multidisciplinary challenges and opportunities in the quest for water sustainability.

In this episode, we engage with Colin Scott, Nicole Mignacca, and Ellie Kim from Innventure, a leading firm renowned for transforming cutting-edge technology into successful market solutions. Join us as we explore Innventure's unique approach to reducing risks and accelerating commercial success through strategic collaborations and a systematic evaluation process. Colin, Nicole, and Ellie share valuable insights into identifying high-potential technology opportunities, the critical role of strategic partnerships, and how they engage with multinational corporations to catalyze innovation. Learn about the challenges and metrics involved in the journey from concept to commercialization, and how Inventure’s model aims to ensure innovative solutions reach their maximum market impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the mechanics of bringing transformative technology to life!

The latest episode of the IRI podcast dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding innovation, sustainability, and legal compliance in the manufacturing sector. Join Lee Green as she hosts an insightful session with Lindsay Brown and Brad Molotsky, partners at Duane Morris and experts in environmental law and transactional real estate, respectively. Lindsay and Brad explore the intricacies of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations across various US states, discussing their impact on manufacturers, the complexities of compliance, and the importance of tracking and reporting. They also address the growing significance of PFAS regulations and how they intersect with EPR, offering guidance for R&D professionals on preparing for upcoming legislative changes. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability and legal mandates. Don't miss the valuable advice and expert commentary on how to navigate these challenging times for innovators and manufacturers alike.

Join us for an engaging interview with Sean Ammirati, CEO of Growth Signals and Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University, as he explores how generative AI enhancing speed and productivity in R&D. Sean will share how genAI is transforming ideation, literature discovery, and management practices like StageGate, while dispelling common misconceptions about its impact. Gain valuable insights into how this groundbreaking technology is reshaping the way innovation happens today—and where it’s headed.

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Daniel Shin, a prominent cybersecurity researcher and COVA CCI research scientist, to delve into the growing concerns surrounding the nefarious use of large language models. Discover how these powerful AI tools are being exploited in unexpected ways, from generating fictitious travel books to creating synthetic video content for quick monetization. Daniel shares valuable insights on the emerging risks posed by AI, including the surge in spam generation and the potential consequences for companies deploying AI technologies. He emphasizes the importance of proactive AI governance and cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks and ensure data privacy. Learn about the innovative deepfake countermeasures and the future challenges in AI ethics and legality. This episode will equip you with essential knowledge to stay informed and prepared in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology.

This episode features a compelling conversation with Brent Bell, VP of Recycling and President of Waste Management Recycle America, as he shares his insights on the evolution of the recycling landscape. Learn about WM's transformative $1.5 billion investment in recycling infrastructure, the shift from dual stream to single stream recycling, and the impact of lightweight packaging on recycling operations. Explore the challenges and solutions surrounding demand for recycled materials, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and how companies are shifting towards designing for circularity. Brent discusses collaborations with brands to enhance product recyclability and the importance of consumer education in improving recycling rates. As the episode unfolds, Brent sheds light on WM's strategies to meet increasing demand, from investing in chemical recycling projects to processing plastic films. Discover how regulatory changes, like minimum content regulations and EPR, are transforming the industry. Join us as we uncover the road ahead for recycling and sustainability.

In this webinar, we’ll dive into how Milliken’s R&D team enhanced their research processes by digitizing handwritten lab notebooks. Learn how this shift has streamlined access to decades of internal knowledge, enhanced collaboration, and driven innovation across teams. Join us for a conversation about the journey, challenges, and the cutting-edge tools that made this transition possible.

In this webinar, Dr. Ed Rakiewicz, a recipient of the IRI Leadership Award, will discuss how PPG has successfully driven commercial growth while advancing its sustainability agenda. He will share the key enablers, challenges, and lessons learned in balancing profitability and sustainability, offering practical insights for businesses aiming to achieve both. Ed will also provide advice for early career professionals looking to make an impact in this space.

Join Lee Green from IRI as she engages in an insightful conversation with Noel Hollingsworth, the co-founder and CEO of Uncountable. Together, they delve into the transformative potential of AI in the realm of Research and Development (R&D) and explore the practical challenges organizations face in adopting AI technologies. Noel shares his diverse background in machine learning, from optimizing hybrid engines at Ford to enhancing sports analytics for NBA and NFL teams, leading to the founding of Uncountable. The discussion highlights the gap in AI application across industries, emphasizing the need for better data readiness and structured processes in R&D sectors like industrial manufacturing. The conversation further explores the evolution of Uncountable's approach, from focusing solely on AI to addressing foundational data issues, enabling organizations to effectively utilize AI. They discuss the importance of data quality, replicability, and clear goal-setting to ensure successful AI integration in scientific environments. Noel offers valuable insights into managing expectations, fostering trust, and identifying incremental wins to build momentum within organizations. The episode concludes with strategic advice for leaders on preparing software, hardware, and people for AI advancements, setting the stage for long-term success in R&D.

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of greenwashing with legal experts Laura Hammargren and Chris Bell. Laura, a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, specializes in toxic and mass tort litigation, while Chris focuses on civil and criminal enforcement and environmental regulatory matters. Hosted by Lee Green of IRI's research and strategic initiatives, this conversation sheds light on how companies can navigate the murky waters of environmental claims. Laura and Chris explore the definition of greenwashing, discussing its implications for companies and the various legal claims that can arise from misleading environmental statements. They provide practical insights into how product development and R&D teams can mitigate risks by aligning closely with marketing strategies and ensuring claims are backed by reliable data. The episode also touches on the global landscape of greenwashing regulations and the importance of accurate and truthful communication in avoiding potential lawsuits. Whether you're in the B2C or B2B sector, this discussion offers valuable guidance on how to approach sustainability claims responsibly.

This report highlights the evolving role of customer insights in driving innovation, moving from simple data collection to a key component of the innovation process where customers actively co-create with companies. Businesses now leverage real-time interactions and advanced methodologies such as the Repertory Grid Technique, ethnographic research, and AI tools to gather deeper, more actionable insights. A case study of Novonesis demonstrates how integrating customer feedback, commercial feasibility, and technical viability leads to successful innovation across diverse industries.  

This is a shorten version of the "Legal Implications of Generative AI Update with Iria Giuffrida" episode hosted by Leigh Green, who oversees IRI's Research and Strategic Initiatives, this episode dives deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal system. Iria discusses her latest research, including a groundbreaking chapter on how the White House's executive order on AI may impact civil litigation in the United States. She also provides updates on significant cases involving copyright and patent issues with large language models, highlighting the challenges and complexities businesses face in this rapidly evolving field. The conversation explores the risks and benefits of AI tools in business, touching on intellectual property protection, privacy concerns, and the ethical implications of AI use. Iria shares her insights on how businesses can navigate the regulatory landscape, both at the state and federal levels, and the potential impact of international regulations like the EU AI Act. Don't miss this episode for a comprehensive look at the current and future challenges of integrating AI into the legal and business worlds.

Employee upskilling is essential for organizations to stay competitive and foster innovation. This episode explores how Eastman Chemical Company and A. O. Smith Corporation are leading the way in workforce development with their comprehensive upskilling programs. Eastman Chemical Company has introduced a cutting-edge initiative focusing on generative AI, empowering employees to explore new technologies through structured classes and practical applications. Their proactive approach ensures that employees are equipped to leverage AI for business value and competitive advantage. A. O. Smith Corporation integrates upskilling with knowledge management by systematically training its workforce on established engineering techniques and creating subject matter expert councils. These councils capture and share critical technical knowledge, supporting business objectives and succession planning. The episode highlights key takeaways, including the importance of aligning upskilling efforts with employee needs and organizational goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and measuring the impact and effectiveness of training programs. Learn how these industry leaders are shaping the future of workforce development and discover actionable insights for improving your own training initiatives.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Iria Giuffrida, Professor of Practice of Law and Assistant Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs at William & Mary Law School, as she shares her expertise on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal system. Hosted by Lee Green, the discussion delves into the latest updates on significant AI-related legal cases, the implications of the EU AI Act, and practical recommendations for businesses navigating the complex landscape of AI governance. Discover how AI is reshaping industries, the potential risks, and how businesses can mitigate these challenges. Whether you're concerned about privacy, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI domain.

In this insightful episode, Lee Green interviews Lora Cerere, founder of Supply Chain Insights, as they delve into the evolving landscape of supply chain management.  Lora discusses the critical assumptions that have changed in global supply chains and the importance of aligning R&D with supply chain strategies. She emphasizes the need for better network management, understanding demand latency, and using AI and machine learning to drive value. The conversation also explores sustainability challenges, the importance of being a good trading partner, and practical steps companies can take to improve their supply chain operations. Lora's insights provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains and preparing for future uncertainties.

Explore the critical role of strategic roadmapping and foresighting in organizational planning through the lens of Campbell's Soup Company. This episode delves into how these intertwined processes enable effective goal alignment, resource allocation, and uncertainty navigation. Learn about the importance of agility and stakeholder engagement in fostering collaboration and informed decision-making. Discover how generative AI enhances these processes by rapidly analyzing datasets, aiding in analysis, pattern recognition, and trend identification. Featuring Campbell's Soup Company, this episode showcases best practices in strategic roadmapping and foresighting, highlighting how a legacy company has successfully prioritized new product initiatives and strategic resource allocation. Gain actionable insights from IRI's extensive research and Campbell's real-world application to refine your own organizational planning strategies.

Facilitator: Laura Buen Abad, Sonoco Speakers: Michael Davin, National Association of Manufacturers In this insightful episode, Laura Buen Abad, the technology and marketing lead at Sonoco, engages in a compelling discussion with Mike Davin from the National Association of Manufacturers. They delve into the intricate landscape of PFAS regulations, recent developments, and their implications for various industries. Mike Davin provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new rules, including the drinking water standards and Superfund designations for PFAS chemicals. He highlights the extensive impact these regulations could have on multiple sectors, from manufacturing to waste management, and emphasizes the importance of compliance and reporting. The conversation also explores potential shifts in regulatory approaches under different political administrations, the challenges posed by a patchwork of state and international regulations, and strategies for companies to mitigate legal risks in an increasingly litigious environment. This episode is a must-listen for industry professionals seeking to understand and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS and other environmental issues.

Facilitator: Portia Yarborough, Michelman Speaker: Gavin Towler, Honeywell Join Gavin Towler, Corporate Chief Scientist, Sustainability Technology and Chief Sustainability Officer at Honeywell, and Portia Yarborough, Chief Science and Sustainability Officer at Michelman, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of science, sustainability, and innovation. In this keynote session, they explore the challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainability in the corporate world. Portia shares her experiences at Michelman, a company specializing in water-based coatings, emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer interactions and thought-sharing within the sustainability community. Gavin delves into Honeywell's ambitious goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, and discusses the critical role of lifecycle analysis and co-innovation in developing sustainable technologies. The session covers a range of topics, from the impact of Scope 3 emissions on product development to the potential of AI in enhancing sustainability efforts. Gavin also highlights the importance of resilient microgrids, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the global push towards a hydrogen economy. This conversation provides valuable insights for technology leaders and innovators committed to driving sustainable change.