Where rural innovation gathers.

Conferences, summits, and convenings on rural innovation worldwide.

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Upcoming

  • International Conference on Innovation in Rural Regions (ICIRR)

    2026-09-13 – 2026-09-15 · Siegen, Germany · in-person

    This interdisciplinary conference examines social and technical practices in rural regions, exploring how innovations are imagined, facilitated, contested, and materially shaped. Rather than treating rural areas as peripheral spaces, the conference reframes them as complex socio-technical systems where global challenges manifest in concentrated ways. The event brings together researchers and practitioners from fields including design science, HCI, CSCW, ICTD, and STS to analyze and shape rural innovation dynamics and challenge dominant narratives.

  • National Forum to Advance Rural Education

    2026-10-19 – 2026-10-21 · San Antonio, United States · in-person

    NREA's annual conference convenes K–12 and higher education leaders, administrators, researchers, policymakers, and community partners to address challenges and opportunities facing rural schools and communities. The forum brings together a national network united by a commitment to strengthening outcomes for rural learners through cutting-edge sessions, hands-on exhibits, and valuable professional connections. This premier gathering celebrates innovation and resilience across rural America's education sector.

  • 5th Rural Development Conference (RDC2026)

    2026-11-01 – 2026-11-03 · Bangkok, Thailand · hybrid

    The 5th Rural Development Conference brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss rural development, agriculture, economic transformation, and sustainable livelihoods. This international, interdisciplinary event features oral presentations, poster sessions, virtual presentations, and roundtable discussions on topics spanning agriculture, rural policy, vocational training, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. RDC2026 bridges academic research with real-world practice, fostering collaboration and meaningful exchange among a globally diverse community of participants.

  • Hefei International Rural Development Innovation Expo (IRID EXPO)

    2027-04-01 – 2027-04-03 · Hefei, China · in-person

    The Hefei International Rural Development Innovation Expo showcases cutting-edge technology, products, and solutions across digital rural development, smart agriculture, agricultural processing, renewable energy, and environmental management. Supported by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and over 20 international organizations, the expo gathers 500+ exhibitors and 30,000+ visitors to facilitate government and commercial project matchmaking. The event focuses on innovation-driven rural revitalization and industrial upgrades, featuring smart farm machinery, organic waste treatment, renewable energy systems, and rural infrastructure solutions.

  • AGRITECHNICA 2027

    2027-11-14 – 2027-11-20 · Hanover, Germany · in-person

    AGRITECHNICA is the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, bringing together nearly 3,000 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe. The 2027 edition will showcase innovative, networked agricultural systems that use digital technologies to increase efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in farming. The event features the AGRITECHNICA Innovation Award, recognizing breakthrough products that significantly improve agricultural processes, and serves as a critical platform for agtech innovation and rural entrepreneurship.