SilkroadInnovation Hub
Oct 11–18, 2026 · San Francisco Fee & terms

Program for research teams · October 11–18, 2026 · San Francisco, California

Commercialization of Scientific Research Summit

From scientific research to a commercially viable, investment-ready product.

The week, day by day October 2026
  1. Sun11Arrival & welcome briefing
  2. Mon12Stanford, StartX & Disrupt prep
  3. Tue13TechCrunch Disrupt — pavilion opens
  4. Wed14TechCrunch Disrupt — stage pitches
  5. Thu15TechCrunch Disrupt — closing contacts
  6. Fri16The Summit — pitch to investors
  7. Sat17Debrief & San Francisco tour
  8. Sun18Departure

About the program

Silkroad Innovation Hub invites researchers to present and advance their work in front of Silicon Valley investors and industry representatives.

The program is built around the transition from a scientific result to an applied technology solution with real commercialization and investment potential. Its centerpiece is the Commercialization of Scientific Projects Summit, held October 16, 2026 in San Francisco, where research teams present their work, discuss its commercial potential, and receive feedback from venture and industry representatives.

The program also includes participation in TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, one of the largest international technology conferences. Participants present their work to an international audience at the Silkroad Innovation Hub pavilion, build relationships with investors and the broader tech community, and visit Stanford University and meet with StartX.

Purpose

To move a scientific project out of the academic environment and into its next stage — a technology product that international partners, investors, and industry can understand.

FromScientific result
ThroughApplied technology solution
ToInvestment-ready product

The program enables research teams to:

  • Present scientific developments to the technology industry
  • Define and articulate the project's commercial potential and applied value
  • Get expert feedback on commercialization prospects
  • Connect with venture funds, angel investors, and potential technology partners
  • Present projects at the Commercialization of Scientific Projects Conference
  • Gain experience presenting research internationally
  • Get an inside look at the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem
  • Visit Stanford University and StartX
  • Expand their international professional network
  • Build a foundation for future investment and technology partnerships

Key components

Centerpiece · Oct 16

Commercialization of Scientific Projects

A research-to-industry conference with project presentations, commercialization discussions, and meetings with investors, venture funds, and industry experts.

Oct 13–15 · Moscone West

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

International presentation of projects and participation in the professional program at the Silkroad Innovation Hub pavilion.

Oct 12

Stanford University & StartX

Campus visit and meeting with StartX as part of the academic and entrepreneurial program.

Professional preparation

Coaching on international presentation, business communication, and engaging potential partners and clients.

Networking

Professional meetings with members of the international tech community and Silicon Valley.

Visa support

Official invitation and supporting documents for a U.S. visa application.

Program

October 11–18, 2026 San Francisco, California
SunOct 11
  • Delegation arrives in San Francisco. Check-in, welcome briefing, program overview.
MonOct 12
  • 10:00–11:00Meeting with StartX accelerator (Darsh Mann), Stanford
  • 11:00–13:00Visit to Stanford University campus
  • 13:00–18:00TechCrunch Disrupt prep: cross-cultural communication and lead generation
  • 18:00–21:00Networking meetup with TechCrunch Disrupt participants at Silkroad Innovation Hub
TueOct 13Disrupt
  • All dayTechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Moscone West — exhibiting scientists showcase their projects at the Silkroad Innovation Hub pavilion
WedOct 14Disrupt
  • All dayTechCrunch Disrupt 2026 — pavilion exhibition continues; each team delivers a 2–3 minute pitch on the TechCrunch Disrupt stage
ThuOct 15Disrupt
  • All dayTechCrunch Disrupt 2026 — pavilion exhibition; wrapping up contacts and agreements
FriOct 16The Summit
  • 09:30–10:00Registration — Commercialization of Scientific Projects Summit
  • 10:00–11:00Opening remarks: Silkroad Innovation Hub's model for commercializing scientific research
  • 11:00–13:00Pitch session — research teams present projects to investors and industry experts
  • 14:00–16:30One-on-one meetings with venture fund representatives; project feedback
  • 16:30–18:00Closing remarks, certificates, networking reception
SatOct 17
  • Program debrief and follow-up discussions; cultural program — guided sightseeing tour of San Francisco
SunOct 18
  • Delegation departs

The organizer reserves the right to make minor adjustments to timing and the speaker lineup. The final program is sent to participants no later than 7 days before the start.

Participation terms

One fee, the full week.

US$7,000

per participant · October 11–18, 2026

Apply by email

The fee covers

  • The Commercialization of Scientific Projects Summit
  • Pitch session and individual investor meetings
  • Professional preparation
  • Academic visits
  • Participation in the international technology program
  • Networking events
  • Organizational support

Visa support

Every confirmed participant receives an official invitation letter from Silkroad Innovation Hub for their U.S. visa application.