Sights set on iTECH Summit

COEUR d'ALENE — The Idaho Technology Council, in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber, announced the program for iTECH Summit Inland Northwest 2026, taking place Wednesday, Oct. 21, at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

The event marks ITC's first program in North Idaho and will bring together business leaders, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, investors, and community partners under the theme, "Tech Powered. Community Led."

"This program reflects what is possible when technology, business, education, and community leaders come together around a shared vision for the Inland Northwest," said Diane Temple, president and CEO of the Idaho Technology Council. "It is designed to make space for real conversations about the future of work, the companies and ideas being built here, and the partnerships required to turn innovation into lasting regional opportunity."

Linda Coppess, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber, said that by bringing technology and business leaders together to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build meaningful connections, "we are creating opportunities for collaboration that can strengthen our businesses and help grow the region's technology ecosystem."

An executive panel will explore how AI, technology, and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping leadership, hiring, and operations across the Inland Northwest. Panelists include:

• Rick Rasmussen, CEO, Northwest Specialty Hospital

• Mike Kennedy, President and CEO, Intermax Networks

• Jacob Bonwell, President and CEO, ALTEK Inc.

• Gena Hoxha, Chief People and AI Officer, Ignitium

• Katie McKay, Vice President, MacKay Manufacturing

The summit will also feature "AI Innovators You Should Know," moderated by Mark Olson, executive coach, advisor, investor, and co-founder of M+L Advisors. 

Featured participants include Garrett Oetken, co-founder and head of protocol at Tensora; John Shovic, director of the University of Idaho's Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics; Sam Jankovich, CEO of GuideTime; Joni Kindwall-Moore, CEO of The Ryzosphere; and Jen Richey, COO and co-founder of Haiven, Inc.

The morning will conclude with the IDEA² Lightning Pitch Showcase, ITC's third iTECH pitch competition of 2026. Entrepreneurs from across the Inland Northwest will pitch their business ideas live, one slide and 90 seconds at a time, before a live judging panel and audience.

Before the competition, ITC is partnering with Bill Kalivas and InnovateINW, alongside the Hagadone Technology team, to host September pitch sessions for students and local entrepreneurs. The top three IDEA² winners will receive startup funding prizes, while attendees will select an Audience Choice award.

"Great pitches are built through practice, feedback, and connection," said Kalivas. "Through September pitch sessions with the Hagadone Technology team, students and local entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to refine their ideas, receive direct and constructive feedback, and connect with experienced founders and Springboard advisors."

Sarah Gerdes, co-founder of Incluud and author, will deliver the closing keynote, sharing reflections on entrepreneurship, building innovative companies, strategic partnerships, and the opportunity to create technology that strengthens people and communities.

Innovation Tours and VIP Executive Fireside Chat

Between the morning summit and afternoon VIP gathering, attendees can tour the shared Robotics, Automation, and AI Lab, a partnership between the University of Idaho Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics and North Idaho College X-Labs. The tour offers a firsthand look at how cross-institution collaboration is connecting learning with innovation and workforce opportunity.

"Some of the most valuable insights emerge when people with different experiences come together to learn from one another," said Marita Diffenbaugh, director of Innovation, North Idaho College. 

From 3 to 5 p.m., Hagadone Technology will host an invitation-only VIP Executive Fireside Chat at its Coeur d'Alene headquarters, moderated by Jake Nicklay, director of sales at Hagadone Technologies. 

"I’ve been fortunate to be part of the ITC almost from the beginning and this event will be a key cross fertilization opportunity for Tech companies and entrepreneurs in the Coeur d’Alene/Spokane area,” Steve Meyer, founder of Intermax Networks, ITC Board of Trustees, director and inducted into the ITC Hall of Fame in 2014

Register: itc.ticketgoat.com