Monday, September 8, 2025

Welcome Reception | MASS MoCA: Spencer Finch Gallery “Cosmic Latte” | 6 p.m.

You’re invited to explore one of the country’s largest and most dynamic contemporary art museums. Join us for a warm welcome to the Rural Innovation Network Summit at the Spencer Finch Cosmic Latte installation at MASS MoCA. This opening reception offers a unique setting to connect with fellow innovators and kick off the Summit in a space that encourages reflection, big ideas, and forward-thinking conversations about the future of rural America.  Dinner and drinks will be served.

 

Tuesday, September, 9, 2025

Breakfast | 8-9 a.m. 

Provided.

 

Welcome Session |  9-9:15 a.m.

Join us as we kick off the 5th Annual Summit with a warm welcome and remarks from our hosts. We’ll set the stage for a few days of connection, collaboration, and rural innovation.

Session #1 | Fireside Chat | 9:15-10 a.m. 

Ben Lamb of 1Berkshire and Ben Sosne of the Berkshire Innovation Center share how their region is driving rural innovation through collaboration, local leadership, and strategic investment. This conversation explores the Berkshires’ approach to building a resilient economy, from workforce development to fostering cross-sector partnerships, and offers valuable lessons for rural communities nationwide.

 

Break | 10-10:10 a.m.

 

Session #2 | The Long Game: Building Sustainable Tech Ecosystems in Rural Places | 10:10-11:10 a.m.

Over the past three years, communities in the Rural Innovation Network have been doing the deep work of building local tech talent pipelines from the ground up. In this session, the RIN Tech Talent Development Team joins leaders from several communities to reflect on what it’s taken to lay the foundation: forging local and national partnerships, navigating challenges, and designing pathways that connect rural residents to real tech career opportunities.

We’ll explore how communities have leveraged resources like Cisco Networking Academy, Grow with Google, and others to build momentum, as well as how AI is beginning to shape the next chapter of rural tech workforce development.

This moderated conversation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working, what’s evolving, and what’s required to keep growing sustainable, inclusive tech ecosystems in rural places.

 

Break | 11:10-11:15 a.m. 

 

Session #3 | The Landscape of Rural Funding | 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

What does it really take to secure funding in rural America? This interactive session brings together rural leaders who have navigated the complex world of philanthropic grants and federal funding to power local innovation, infrastructure, and capacity building.  We will share real-world lessons learned from working with diverse funders, writing successful proposals, and building cross-sector partnerships.  We’ll explore how rural changemakers are identifying aligned opportunities and adapting to shifting priorities.  

Come ready to listen, share, and ask questions. Whether you’re just starting to explore funding or looking to scale your approach, this session offers practical insight, peer connection, and a chance to shape the conversation around what effective rural investment really looks like.

 

Lunch | 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Provided.

 

Session #4 | Data Storytelling for Rural Change | 1:30-2:15 p.m. 

Economist and Director of Research, Amanda Weinstein will introduce the Economic Recovery Corp (ERC) Data Tool, created by CORI’s MDA team to help rural communities use data to drive action. Designed for ERC fellows and their host communities, the tool brings together local, county, and federal data to support innovation, resilience, and opportunity. Participants will learn to surface trends, track progress, and translate data into stories that can inform strategy, build support, and influence local conversations. This session will show how data can support smarter strategies and stronger outcomes on the ground.

 

Breakout Sessions #1 | 2:20-3 p.m. 

Breakout Track #1 | Embracing Global Talent in Rural Innovation

Rural communities across the U.S. are finding new ways to attract and retain the talent needed to fuel innovation and build future-ready economies. This fireside chat will feature on-the-ground leaders and national experts exploring how international talent can play a key role in rural growth strategies. From programs like Global Entrepreneurship in Residence to university partnerships and J-1 visa pathways, our expert guest speakers will share practical insights on how rural communities can tap into global talent, support immigrant founders, and bring fresh perspectives to local innovation efforts. Ideal for those in innovation hubs, higher ed, or local government, this session offers actionable ideas for building a more connected and competitive rural economy.

Breakout Track #2 | IP Tools that Empower Innovation 

This session is designed for community leaders, ecosystem builders, and anyone working to support entrepreneurs and tech startups in rural areas. Innovation begins with ideas and understanding how to protect and grow those ideas is critical for helping new ventures succeed. We’ll introduce practical, accessible tools that make it easier to guide new innovators through the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP) and the patent process. Featured resources include The Inventor’s Patent Academy (TIPA), a story-based, online learning platform, and the Innovation Compass, which helps entrepreneurs assess and strengthen their innovation readiness.

 

Break | 3-3:10 p.m.

 

Community Time: Network with the Network | 3:10-3:40 p.m.

This time is designed to help Rural Innovation Network members connect in meaningful ways.  Whether you’re looking to swap ideas, spark new collaborations, or simply get to know others doing similar work, this is your chance to engage, share, and build relationships. 

 

Breakout Sessions #2 | 3:45-4:20 p.m. 

Breakout Track #3 | Behind the Summit: How Gig East Brings Community Together

Each year, Gig East gathers community leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Wilson, North Carolina, for a dynamic Summit focused on connection, collaboration, and local impact. In this breakout session, the Gig East team shares how they design and host this event, what drives them, how it strengthens their innovation ecosystem, and what kind of outcomes they’ve seen. Learn how a community-rooted summit can become a powerful catalyst for rural innovation, and walk away with inspiration and ideas for your own region.

Breakout Track #4 | AI: Practical Tools for Today 

Rural communities are already using AI in meaningful ways such as strengthening local initiatives, boosting workforce development, and streamlining everyday operations. In this session, community leaders will share real-world examples and introduce tools that are already making an impact. You’ll also take part in a short interactive activity to explore practical ways AI can support your work.

Breakout Track #5 | Legal Q&A on J-1 Visa Opportunities 

Connect with an immigration lawyer specializing in J-1 visa programs to get expert answers on the legal details for supporting J-1 talent. Whether you’re new to these pathways or seeking deeper understanding, this discussion offers practical guidance tailored to rural communities.

 

Break | 4:20-4:30 p.m. 

 

Session #4 | Stories of Resilience – Wins, Fails, and the Road Between | 4:30-5:15 p.m.

This dynamic storytelling session features rural ecosystem builders sharing honest stories of what it took to build something real, from first sparks to pivots, breakdowns, breakthroughs, and bounce-backs. If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggle is unique, this conversation proves you’re not alone, and that failure is often the birthplace of the strongest communities.

 

Close | 5:15-5:30 p.m.

Closing remarks.

 

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Breakfast, A Closing Exchange | 8:30-10:00 a.m. 

Let’s close out the Rural Innovation Network Summit the way we started, in community. 

Join CORI staff, some familiar faces you’ve collaborated with, and others who have followed your work with admiration, for a thoughtful and engaging breakfast. Through guided table conversations, we’ll celebrate what’s been accomplished, explore what’s next, and spark new ideas to carry us beyond the Summit.

We hope you’ll make this gathering part of your final moments at the Rural Innovation Network Summit.

“Accelerating What’s Possible: The Next Chapter for Rural Economies in the Age of AI” | 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m., networking reception to follow.

Following the Summit, please join us for the Center on Rural Innovation’s 2025 Conference. Learn more here.