What if we built something remarkable together?

A friend, colleague, and fellow Rotarian, Linda Olson of M+L Advisors, recently shared a phrase I haven't been able to stop thinking about: "A Flourishing Innovation Ecosystem."

Those words capture a vision beginning to take shape through conversations among some remarkable people and organizations here in the Inland Northwest. I've had the opportunity to join discussions with leaders from the Idaho Technology Council, M+L Advisors, North Idaho College X-Labs, Coeur d'Alene Area Economic Development Corporation, University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene, Hagadone Technologies, Intermax Networks, Think Purple, Incluud, Innovate|NW, and other regional thought leaders.

We're exploring how to build on our region's strengths and create new opportunities together. And so much of what we need is already here. We have established businesses with generations of experience, entrepreneurs developing new technologies, colleges and universities preparing our workforce, and investors and mentors who know how to turn ideas into successful businesses.

How can we bring these talents, resources, and relationships together to benefit our entire region?

Imagine the possibilities

Picture a local manufacturer struggling with a costly, time-consuming process. Just a few miles away, a technology entrepreneur may have the expertise to develop a solution. Neither knows the other exists.

Now consider the work already happening through my friend, Marita Diffenbaugh, Director of Innovation at North Idaho College's X-Labs, where students, educators, and industry partners are tackling real-world challenges. Students gain hands-on experience, businesses benefit from fresh perspectives, and educators help bridge the gap between the classroom and workplace.

It's a great example of what's possible when people with different skills and experiences work together. Imagine building on efforts like these throughout the Inland Northwest. New businesses could take shape, longstanding challenges could find solutions, and students could discover career opportunities they never knew existed.

Connecting the Right People

That's why we're excited to bring the Idaho Technology Council's established iTECH Summit brand to the Inland Northwest on Oct. 21, working alongside regional organizations and thought leaders who see the potential for our area.

The Council has built a successful model for bringing technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators together for inspiration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful connections. We're building on that model and bringing in the expertise already established across North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Our regional partners bring knowledge of technology, entrepreneurship, education, and investment. The Chamber brings relationships with nearly 1,000 businesses, including established companies interested in how AI and emerging technologies can improve operations and prepare them for the future.

Organizations like InnovateINW are already supporting entrepreneurs, while others are mentoring startups, developing accelerator concepts, and helping turn ideas into businesses. Each brings something valuable to the table. Together, we can help businesses find solutions and create opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs.

One Day. So Many Possibilities.

Our inaugural iTECH Summit offers a chance to put some of these ideas into action. The day features two keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and an Innovation Showcase highlighting practical business and technology solutions.

Our IDEA² Lightning Pitch Showcase will give young innovators one slide and one minute to pitch their ideas, with attendees helping select a winner.

Optional tours of the shared Robotics, Automation, and AI Lab at North Idaho College's Hedlund Building will highlight the collaboration between NIC X-Labs and the University of Idaho Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics. Hagadone Technologies will also host a special VIP experience including a fireside chat.

What Happens Next?

As excited as I am about Oct. 21, I'm even more interested in what happens afterward.

Will a business owner meet someone who helps solve a long-standing problem? Will an entrepreneur find a mentor or first major customer? Will an educator discover a new opportunity for students?

The conversations are already underway, and there's a genuine spirit of cooperation among those involved. No one has all the answers, but we're learning from one another and inviting others to help shape what comes next.

So, here's my invitation. Come to iTECH on Oct. 21 with an open mind, curiosity, and a willingness to share your ideas.

Somewhere in our region, someone may be working on an idea that could change an industry, solve a difficult problem, or create opportunities we haven't yet imagined. Perhaps all they need is the right connection.

What if we helped make that happen?

Register here: bit.ly/4gKMu0Z

• • •

Linda Coppess is CEO and president of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber.