Ad Astra Technology Summit 2026

SUMMIT

About the Summit

Where Kansas Tech
Comes Together

The Ad Astra Technology Summit brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers for a single day of bold ideas, actionable insights, and meaningful connections.

Now in its fourth year, the summit has grown from its debut at Riverfront Stadium to one of the state's signature technology events.

2022

Debut at Riverfront Stadium, downtown Wichita

2023

Steve Wozniak keynote • 750+ attendees

2024

Bill Nye keynote • Award-winning event

2026

Salim Ismail • DisrUPt • Woolsey Hall, WSU

Keynote Speaker

Salim Ismail

Chairman • OpenExO

Salim Ismail is a globally recognized innovation strategist, bestselling author of Exponential Organizations and ExO 2.0, Founding Executive Director of Singularity University, former Vice President at Yahoo, and Board Member of the XPRIZE Foundation. He is widely regarded as a leading voice on exponential growth, emerging technologies, and the organizational models shaping the future of business. His work helps leaders move beyond incremental change and build organizations designed for speed, scale, and impact.

Two-Session Keynote Experience

Each session includes a 45-minute keynote and a 30-minute interactive workshop. VIP attendees join an exclusive small-group discussion.

Disruptive Convergence — AI, Robotics, Biotech
Principles of Exponential Organizations
Building an AI-Ready Culture

The lineup

Featured Speakers

Click any speaker to read their full bio. More speakers announced weekly.

Choose your path

Tracks

01

Startup

Startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship

02

Industry

Tech innovation in Kansas industry

03

Workforce

Workforce development and tech-ready talent

04

Education

AI 101 / AI 102 sessions for educators

June 4, 2026 • Woolsey Hall

The Day

8:00 AM

Check-in

General

8:30 AM

Welcome

Dr. Larisa Genin

Megan Harper

General

8:40 AM – 9:25 AM

Keynote 1

Salim Ismail

9:25 AM

Keynote Workshop 1

Salim Ismail

Breakout

9:55 AM

Kansas Tech Awards

Awards

10:15 AM

State of Kansas Tech

Kara Lowe

Luis Rodriguez

Mary Beth Jarvis

Rob Dickson

General

11:00 AM Networking Break 15m

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Keynote 2

Salim Ismail

12:00 PM

Keynote Workshop 2

Salim Ismail

Breakout

12:30 PM General Lunch / VIP Session 75m

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM Track Sessions

Startup AI That Launches Businesses: A Live Demo with Moonbase Labs Industry Powering AI and Future Technologies - A Data Center Conversation Workforce Building the AI-Ready Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships Education Prompt Engineering and the Art of Clear Thinking Education Learning Through Play and Creation Education Teaching and Thinking in an AI World

2:30 PM Networking Break 10m

2:40 PM – 3:25 PM Track Sessions

Startup Built to Last: Fundraising, Revenue, and Tax for Startups Industry AI in Manufacturing Automation: Legacy Code, Legacy Problems, and the AI That Finally Cracked Both Workforce Human-First AI Adoption: Is it possible, and what does it look like? Education Designing AI Supports That Remove Learning Barriers Education Applying Gaming Concepts Across Content Areas Education Designing Instruction in an AI Enhanced Classroom

3:25 PM Networking Break 10m

3:35 PM Peer Discussions: Kansas' Biggest Opportunities 45m

Moderated by

Steven Werner

4:20 PM

Closing

Megan Harper

General

4:30 PM Happy Hour at Social Tap Drinkery 90m

AWARDS

2022 Educator of the Year - Jennifer Mahin

2023 Steve and Janet Wozniak Tech Teacher of the Year - Christopher Spindler

2023 Tech Student of the Year - Adria Dumler

2024 Community Innovator of the Year - Rob Dickson

2024 Tech Startup of the Year - Weavix

2023 Tech Startup of the Year - Voltage - Graham Krizek

Kansas Tech Awards

Recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations making an impact in Kansas technology.

Technology Visionary of the Year

Presented to an individual or organization that has significantly contributed to technological innovation and digital transformation in Kansas. A beacon of inspiration whose work lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs and stimulates growth within Kansas' tech industry.

Technology Community Innovator of the Year

Presented to an individual, group, or organization distinguished by their record of service to their community. They have engaged in continuing efforts to propel the tech sector within their community through their time, service, and talents.

Technology Start-up of the Year

Presented to an organization with in-market tech products or services that have shown the greatest development based on growth and impact and have the most promising potential for success.

The Steve and Janet Wozniak Technology Educator of the Year

Presented to a Kansas educator who has demonstrated efforts to broaden technology learning. Using innovative and successful teaching strategies to create a sustained, positive impact in the classroom, school, and district.

Technology Student of the Year, Higher Education

Presented to a higher education student with a passion about moving toward a career in Kansas technology. Demonstrating academic excellence and great promise for future success in the workforce.

Technology Student of the Year, High School

Presented to a high school (9-12) student with a passion about pursuing a future in Kansas technology. Demonstrating academic excellence and great promise for future success.