4th Annual Chesapeake Regional Innovation Summit

4th Annual Chesapeake Regional Innovation Summit

Join us for an afternoon celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and the people shaping what’s next for our region!

On Wednesday, December 2, 2026, join us at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold for an afternoon of networking, entrepreneurial pitches, emerging technologies, and connections across the Chesapeake region’s innovation ecosystem.

The Summit brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development partners, and innovators to spotlight the ideas, talent, and technologies driving economic growth across Anne Arundel County and the surrounding region.

The Summit reflects a collaborative partnership among Anne Arundel Community College, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, Maryland Tech Council-Chesapeake Regional Chapter, and the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Agenda is tentative and will be updated soon.

• 2:00 p.m. – Arrivals, Registration & Networking
• 2:30 p.m. – Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 2:45 p.m. – Remarks from Amy Gowan, President & CEO, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
• 3:00 p.m. – ChesaPitch Competition
• 4:45 p.m. – AI for Good Hackathon Presentations
• 5:30 p.m. – ChesaPitch Winner Announced
• 6:00 p.m. – Exhibits Close

The Innovation Showcase will be open throughout the event, giving attendees opportunities to explore exhibits and connect with innovators between program sessions.

What to Expect

Discover the next wave of innovation in our region. The Summit brings together the people, ideas, and organizations helping shape the future of business and technology across the Chesapeake region.

• The ChesaPitch Competition: Experience the excitement as entrepreneurs pitch their ventures, share their ideas, and compete for the ChesaPitch title.
• AI for Good: Hear presentations highlighting how artificial intelligence can be applied to address challenges and create positive impact.
• Innovation Showcase: Explore innovative products, technologies, and solutions from businesses and entrepreneurs across the region.
• Connections That Move Ideas Forward: Network with founders, business leaders, community partners, and others invested in the region’s innovation ecosystem.
• Regional Collaboration: Discover the talent, resources, and partnerships helping innovative businesses launch, grow, and thrive in Anne Arundel County and beyond.

Whether you're launching a venture, growing a business, exploring emerging technologies, or looking to connect with the people advancing innovation in our region, the Summit offers an opportunity to discover new ideas, build relationships, and see local innovation in action.

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurs and founders, established businesses, investors, industry and community leaders, economic development, and workforce partners, AACC students, and anyone interested in innovation and entrepreneurship across Anne Arundel County and the surrounding region are welcome.

Come connect with the people and ideas shaping what’s next for our region!