Online Event
Growing Innovation Districts through Regional & Private Partnerships
How to Foster Innovation Districts with Regional and Private Partnerships
Date
Feb 10, 2026
Time
01:00 pm - 02:30 pm
Address
Online Event
Innovation districts thrive when they are not isolated but instead connected to broader networks. By leveraging regional and private partnerships, these districts can tap into global talent, investors, and mentors, accelerating growth and fostering innovation. Using Penn West as a successful example, this session will demonstrate how collaboration between local governments and private enterprises can create vibrant ecosystems that attract resources from beyond local boundaries. Learn how these strategic partnerships can transform innovation districts into dynamic hubs for startup success and economic growth.
What You'll Learn:
- Learn how local governments and private companies can work together effectively.
- Understand how connecting with global networks can drive growth and innovation.
- Discover how partnerships can create long-term economic success for innovation districts.
Featured Experts:
- Paul O'Brien - Head of Public Affairs @ Founder Institute: a startup economist and ecosystem strategist with 25 years in venture capital, public policy, and economic development. As Head of Public Affairs at Founder Institute and Managing Partner of Startup Economist, he helps governments, investors, and civic leaders build stronger startup ecosystems that drive real economic growth.
- Elizabeth Packer - Director of Economic Development @ Golden Triangle: an urban planner and economic development strategist with more than a decade of experience advancing entrepreneurship, investment, and community revitalization. She has worked with HR&A Advisors, the Economic Innovation Group, and municipalities nationwide to design policies and projects that foster inclusive economic growth. Now serving as Director of Economic Development at the Golden Triangle BID in Washington, DC, Elizabeth continues to shape strategies that strengthen local ecosystems and attract capital.
- Guc Ozenci - Innovation Partner at Founder Institute: Managing Director of Founder Institute in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, where he has built a portfolio of over 40 early-stage companies. He is an angel investor, advisor, and connector, with a proven track record in growing startups and leading them to successful exits. Guc co-founded Peoplise, a B2B SaaS company, and successfully led its acquisition. He is also the Managing Partner at Connect-OP, helping startups in the East Coast US secure essential resources and partnerships. With a background in global tech companies like Cisco and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Guc is passionate about fostering innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
- Adam Lattimore - Director of Technology and Innovation at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development: an experienced leader with over 10 years in the nonprofit and government sectors. He currently serves as the Director of Technology and Innovation for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in Washington, DC, where he fosters the city’s growing tech and startup ecosystem. Adam has a strong track record in managing grants, forming strategic partnerships, and driving operational efficiency. His prior roles include National Service Director at Serve DC and Associate Director at Arabella Advisors.
Who Should Attend?
If you work in economic development, government, or civic leadership, this is not another “innovation showcase.” It’s a reckoning with what your region needs to stop doing, and what you must do next, if you want your founders to thrive and your city to serve and attract venture capital to close the gap on the challenges entrepreneurs there have finding it.
About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute partners with governments and economic development agencies to activate grassroots entrepreneurs, build credible deal pipelines, and turn local ecosystems into engines of sustained economic growth
Learn more at https://fi.co/government
About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute partners with governments and economic development agencies to activate grassroots entrepreneurs, build credible deal pipelines, and turn local ecosystems into engines of sustained economic growth
Learn more at https://fi.co/government
Speakers
Platinum Partners
Local Partners
Google
Linkedin
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