The ICBI39 Agenda: A Deep Dive into Key Tracks and Sessions You Can’t Miss

The ICBI39 Agenda: A Deep Dive into Key Tracks and Sessions You Can’t Miss

The agenda for InBIA’s biggest event of the year - ICBI39 - is on the event website,  outlining an exciting lineup of sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities designed to empower Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders (EEBs) and the startups they serve. As we prepare to gather in Philadelphia this April 6-9, this year’s program is structured around a series of carefully curated tracks, ensuring that attendees gain actionable insights, connect with industry leaders, and access resources that will make a lasting impact.

If you’re an ESO or EEB practitioner, investor, economic developer or policy maker, this year’s agenda is packed with opportunities to gain cutting-edge knowledge and strategies to elevate your organization and community. Below, we explore the key tracks of ICBI39 and highlight some must-attend sessions that promise to provide immense value.

Overview of ICBI39 Session Tracks

ICBI39 will feature multiple tracks covering essential aspects of supporting and scaling entrepreneurship. Each track is designed to provide deep insights into key areas ESOs need to focus on to better serve their founders and stakeholders.

TRACK 1: Operational Excellence: Tools and Strategies for Running a Successful ESO

For those who run or manage ESOs, this track is essential. Sessions will focus on operational excellence, program structure, community engagement, and sustainability.

Highlighted Sessions:

• • “AI Tools and Approaches for ESOs”

    • Why Attend: Learn how artificial intelligence is transforming the way ESOs operate, improving efficiency and decision-making.

  • “Excellence in ESO Staffing and Programming”

    • Why Attend: Discover best practices in hiring, training, and retaining top talent while creating impactful programs.

  • “Tracking and Leveraging Metrics”

    • Why Attend: Gain insights into key performance indicators and data-driven decision-making to enhance ESO effectiveness.

TRACK 2: Show Me the Money: Funding for ESOs and Client Companies

Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for startups and small businesses. This track will cover innovative funding strategies, investor connections, and capital deployment for ESOs.

Highlighted Sessions:

• • “Philanthropic Partnerships to Support Entrepreneurship”

    • Why Attend: Explore how philanthropy and foundations are investing in entrepreneurship and ecosystem development.

  • “Solving the Hardtech Investment Gap”

    • Why Attend: Address the challenges of funding hardware and deep-tech startups and hear from investors leading in this space.

  • “Exploring the Venture Equity Project”

    • Why Attend: Gain insights into this innovative initiative aimed at expanding capital access and equity opportunities for underserved founders.

TRACK 3: Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

This track will explore strategies to build, strengthen, and sustain entrepreneurship ecosystems, focusing on policy, partnerships, and regional collaboration.

Highlighted Sessions:

• • “Building Multicultural Regional Ecosystems”

    • Why Attend: Learn how diverse, inclusive ecosystems drive stronger economic growth and startup success.

  • “Fostering Industry-Specific Ecosystems”

    • Why Attend: Discover how sector-focused entrepreneurship ecosystems create unique value for specialized industries.

  • “Developing Healthy Rural Ecosystems”

    • Why Attend: Explore strategies to support entrepreneurship in rural areas and leverage local resources for sustainable growth.

TRACK 4: Innovations, Trends and Special Focus

This track examines emerging trends shaping the future of entrepreneur support, including policy shifts, global collaboration, and technology’s role in ecosystem building.

Highlighted Sessions:

• • “Trends in the Life Sciences Industry”

    • Why Attend: Get insights into the rapidly evolving life sciences sector and the role of ESOs in supporting biotech and healthcare startups.

  • “Supporting a Clean/Green Economy”

    • Why Attend: Learn how ESOs can help sustainability-focused startups and climate tech ventures thrive.

  • “Effective Strategies in Managing a Kitchen and Serving Food-Based Entrepreneurs”

    • Why Attend: Explore best practices for supporting food startups and managing shared kitchen spaces for culinary entrepreneurs.

Why Attending ICBI39 Matters More Than Ever

The entrepreneurial support landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires engaging with leading experts, innovative programs, and best practices. Whether you’re looking to improve your incubator’s impact, unlock new funding pathways, foster inclusion, or harness university-driven innovation, ICBI39 will provide the insights and connections you need.

Here’s what makes ICBI39 an unmissable event:

• Unparalleled Networking: Engage with 300+ attendees from more than a dozen countries, including funders, policymakers, and successful ESO leaders.

• Actionable Learning: Gain real-world strategies from 60+ expert speakers.

• Global Perspectives: Learn from diverse viewpoints that will broaden your approach to startup support.

• Access to Funders: Directly connect with funders who are actively investing in ESOs and startup ecosystems.

Plan Your ICBI39 Experience

Start planning your conference experience now! Visit https://www.inbia.org/events/icbi39 to explore the full session lineup, customize your schedule, and register today.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your registration, feel free to reach out to events@inbia.org or call +1 407.965.5635.

Join us in Philadelphia this April for a transformative event that will empower you to better serve your startups, strengthen your ESO, and expand your impact. We can’t wait to see you there!

What are you most excited about at ICBI39? Let us know in the comments or on social media tagging @TheInBIA and using #ICBI39!