Global Innovation Gathering

To turn global collaboration into real opportunities for founders, cities, and partners.
GIG showcases how ecosystems are building solutions, scaling innovation, and creating pathways for cross-border growth — starting from Phoenix and reaching out worldwide.

GIG brings together founders, civic leaders, and global partners eager to learn how innovation takes shape around the world. Each session features international speakers, ecosystem builders, and curated exchanges that highlight practical collaboration and real-world innovation in action.

Phoenix is on the rise as a global innovation hub.
With growing ties to Asia and beyond, now’s the time to connect what’s happening locally to what’s working globally. GIG creates the space — and the structure — for partnerships that lead to pilots, funding, and expansion.

The Global Innovation Gathering (GIG) is powered by AZ Collab and hosted at Venture Café Phoenix, aligning with Venture Café’s global mission to connect innovators across borders.
Each session brings together international partners, civic leaders, and ecosystem builders to explore what purposeful, cross-border collaboration can look like in practice.