The AI4R&D
Conference
Where AI Meets the Science of Innovation
A focused one-day executive summit at the intersection of artificial intelligence and applied Research & Development. The only conference structured around the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework — the universal language of serious R&D.
AI4R&D Conference
San Diego 2026
The Premier Forum for AI-Driven R&D Transformation
The AI4R&D Conference is the only executive summit structured around the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework — the universal language of government, defense, pharmaceutical, and advanced manufacturing R&D. While generic AI conferences crowd the calendar, every session here is held to one standard: applied AI use cases that deliver measurable outcomes, not theoretical potential.
Convened by Infologic, and grounded in over 15 years of applied innovation management across Bell Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline, BP Chemicals, and U.S. Defense RDT&E programs, this conference brings the depth and operational discipline that serious R&D organizations demand. San Diego — home to one of the highest concentrations of R&D-intensive organizations in the United States — is the ideal launch city for this inaugural event.
Register Your Interest"AI can unlock $360–560 billion in annual value by accelerating R&D innovation — but only for organizations that deploy it with discipline across the full innovation lifecycle." — McKinsey
Four Tracks. One Complete Picture of AI in R&D.
Parallel afternoon sessions let you go deep in your domain, while shared morning plenaries deliver the cross-industry perspective that drives breakthrough thinking.
AI at the Bench: Early-Stage Research (TRL 1–3)
Applying AI where scientific discovery begins — from hypothesis to proof-of-concept validation.
- Generative AI for literature synthesis and research design
- AI-accelerated materials discovery and molecular simulation
- Computer vision for laboratory automation and observation
- Managing information overload in complex R&D environments
AI in Development & Scale-Up (TRL 4–7)
Bridging laboratory validation and pilot manufacturing with intelligent automation and predictive systems.
- Digital twins and AI-driven simulation for prototype optimization
- AI agent workflows for regulatory documentation and submissions
- Predictive failure analysis and advanced process control
- In silico screening and surrogate model deployment
AI for Commercialization & Market Launch (TRL 8–9)
Crossing the Valley of Death — using AI to accelerate the journey from validated prototype to commercial product.
- AI for go-to-market strategy and competitive intelligence
- Supply chain AI and manufacturing scale-up planning
- AI-assisted regulatory submission preparation
- Technology transfer and IP management in the AI era
Government, Policy & Defense R&D (Cross-TRL)
Federal alignment, defense acquisition, and the policy landscape shaping AI investment across the R&D ecosystem.
- Alignment with America's AI Action Plan and DoD acquisition
- SBIR/STTR funding strategy for AI-enabled R&D organizations
- Compliance, ethics, and risk management in federal programs
- National security implications of AI-accelerated discovery
Built for Decision-Makers and Practitioners Alike
Attendance is deliberately limited to 150–250 participants to ensure quality over volume. Every person in the room can act on what they learn.
Whether you are setting R&D strategy at the executive level, running a research program, evaluating AI solutions, or connecting university research to commercial opportunity — this is where the conversations that matter happen.
Reserve a SeatR&D Executives
VP R&D, Chief Science Officers, R&D Directors, and Heads of Innovation seeking applied AI use cases across the full TRL spectrum.
R&D Practitioners
Senior Research Scientists, Principal Engineers, Lab Directors, and Digital R&D Managers implementing AI solutions day-to-day.
Government & Defense
DoD Program Managers, NIH/NSF Officers, Federal Lab Directors, and SBIR/STTR leads driving AI in public R&D programs.
AI Solution Providers
Technology vendors and platform developers with AI solutions built specifically for R&D workflows and scientific applications.
Academic Researchers
University faculty, research center directors, and tech transfer officers bridging foundational research and commercial application.
Deep Tech Founders
Startup founders commercializing AI-enabled R&D technologies and innovators navigating the SBIR/STTR funding pathway.
Curated Voices. Real Implementation Experience.
Every speaker is selected for applied knowledge — practitioners who have deployed AI in live R&D environments. No corporate announcements, no vendor pitches.
Biopharmaceuticals
Defense / Aerospace
UC San Diego
AI Platform Company
Speaker announcements coming soon. We are finalizing the program with leading voices from San Diego's biotech, defense, and AI communities. Apply to speak →
Substance Over Spectacle. Every Session Counts.
Designed for time-constrained executives and working scientists — content-rich, practitioner-led, and directly applicable to your R&D organization.
AI4R&D Practitioner Bootcamp
Hands-on deep dive into AI tools for R&D workflow optimization. Live demos, breakout exercises, and vendor co-presentations. Ideal for scientists, engineers, and R&D program managers.
The AI4R&D Imperative: From Productivity Crisis to Innovation Advantage
Strategic context-setting on why AI in R&D has become a competitive necessity — and how leading organizations are restructuring their innovation operating models to capitalize on it.
Agentic AI in the Lab: Automating the R&D Workflow End-to-End
Practical deployment of autonomous AI agents across multi-step R&D workflows — from literature synthesis to experimental design and regulatory documentation.
Overcoming the Valley of Death: AI as the Bridge from Research to Market
Cross-sector panel with biopharma, aerospace, and defense leaders sharing candid lessons on using AI to de-risk the commercialization journey.
Afternoon Technical Tracks
Four concurrent deep-dive sessions covering AI applications across TRL stages. Attendees select their track based on sector and role focus. (See Conference Tracks section above.)
America's AI Action Plan and the Future of Federally Funded R&D
Policy framing for organizations navigating federal AI investment priorities, SBIR/STTR opportunities, and national R&D transformation initiatives.
Evening Networking Reception
Curated networking with senior R&D professionals, AI solution providers, government program managers, and academic partners in an informal, high-value setting.
Six Reasons This Conference Changes How You Think About R&D
Not a passive learning event. Every element is designed to produce actionable intelligence you can deploy in your organization the following week.
No Hype. Proven Results.
Every speaker is vetted for real implementation experience. You leave with case studies you can present internally — not conceptual frameworks requiring further translation.
The Native Language of Serious R&D
The TRL framework is the standard of government, defense, and pharma R&D. Our program is the only conference organized around this lens, making every session immediately relevant to regulated R&D environments.
Every Conversation Matters
With 150–250 deliberately selected attendees, every corridor exchange is valuable. You will meet peers making decisions — not sales representatives looking for leads.
Breakthroughs Come from Outside Your Domain
Sessions span biotech, defense, telecom, and advanced manufacturing — enabling method transfer across R&D domains that rarely share the same room.
Skills Your Team Can Use Immediately
The pre-conference practitioner bootcamp delivers hands-on AI skills — not just strategic awareness. Bring senior leaders to the summit; send practitioners to the bootcamp.
The Network Shaping R&D's Next Decade
Walk away connected to AI solution providers, academic partners, government program officers, and industry peers forming the ecosystem that will define R&D innovation going forward.
Secure Your Place at the Inaugural AI4R&D Conference
Early registrants receive priority access, preferred pricing, and first notification of all speaker announcements. Capacity is deliberately limited to preserve the quality of experience.
Reach R&D Decision-Makers Who Control AI Budgets
The AI4R&D Conference audience is uniquely valuable: R&D budget-holders from biotech, defense, advanced manufacturing, and telecommunications — actively evaluating AI solutions. Sponsorship positions your brand as a thought leader in the room where R&D strategy is being set.
- Conference naming rights
- 30-min keynote speaking slot
- 10 attendee passes included
- Exclusive pre-event dinner hosting
- Premium exhibit booth (20×20)
- Top logo on all materials
- Full post-event attendee data (opt-in)
- Dedicated email to full attendee list
- 20-min speaking or panel slot
- 6 attendee passes included
- Standard exhibit space
- Logo on signage and website
- Pre-event sponsor email inclusion
- Post-event opt-in leads access
- Track or session branding
- 3 attendee passes included
- Tabletop exhibit space
- Logo on website and program
- Social media recognition
- Logo on website and program
- 1 complimentary attendee pass
- Social media mention
- Shared exhibitor table
Academic and government partners may contribute in-kind (venue, catering, promotion) in exchange for Academic Partner recognition and complimentary passes. Contact us to discuss →
Let's Build This Together
Whether you are interested in attending, speaking, sponsoring, or forming an academic or government partnership — we want to hear from you. The AI4R&D Conference succeeds because the right people choose to show up together.