Inaugural World Changing Ideas Summit by Fast Company and Johns Hopkins University
Fast Company, a media brand renowned for its focus on the intersection of business and innovation, together with Johns Hopkins University (JHU), will initiate the
World Changing Ideas Summit on November 19, 2025, at JHU's Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. This conference aims to bring together influential figures from various sectors, including business, government, and academia, to share ideas that can reshape our world.
The summit is an outcome of Fast Company’s
World Changing Ideas recognition program, which has honored transformative initiatives for nearly a decade. Brendan Vaughan, Editor-in-Chief at Fast Company, expresses, “This summit stands distinctively as it brings together a unique partnership of dynamic organizations committed to igniting discussions around innovative and impactful ideas essential for our society.”
The Bloomberg Center is a central hub at Johns Hopkins dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue that translates research into actionable solutions. It frequently hosts thought leadership events featuring experts from various domains. Cybele Bjorklund, the Center's Executive Director, states, “The summit symbolizes 150 years of our university's impactful legacy and aligns perfectly with our mission to serve as a vital conduit for innovation.”
A Gathering of Thought Leaders
Among the highlighted speakers for the summit are prominent leaders and innovators such as:
- - Calvin Butler, President and CEO of Exelon Corporation
- - Barbara Humpton, CEO of USA Rare Earth
- - Trevor Paglen, renowned artist
- - Therese Canares, Founder of CurieDx
- - Alex Szalay, Astrophysicist at AstroPath, to name a few.
Each of these speakers will share insights and strategies that underline their commitment to making impactful contributions across sectors, including health, technology, and more. The summit promotes an environment of rich, engaging sessions that challenge conventional thinking and offer fresh perspectives.
Features of the Summit
Participants will have the chance to engage in dynamic mainstage presentations, hands-on innovation labs, and interactive problem-solving sessions that inspire groundbreaking thinking. Topics covered at the summit will include:
- - The intersection of space research and cancer treatment
- - Advancements in AI technology and its applications
- - Exploring the potential for brain-computer interfaces in medicine
- - Innovations in drug discovery processes
- - Leveraging lessons learned from real-time data and COVID-19 tracking
- - Investigating how startups are utilizing immersive technologies for cognitive research
- - The evolving role of AI in various fields such as sports and manufacturing
Vaughan emphasizes the importance of these discussions by saying, “Ideas need to be put into motion, and the most effective thought processes are those that inspire change. Events like this aim to challenge our viewpoints on the future and can truly transform industries and communities.”
Conclusion and Registration
For those interested in attending the World Changing Ideas Summit, registration is currently open. This conference is an opportunity not just to learn but to engage in shaping the ideas that will define our future.
For more details and to register, please visit
Fast Company Events.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the sole media outlet dedicated exclusively to the critical junction of business, innovation, and design, engaging influential leaders and thinkers of tomorrow’s business landscape.
About Johns Hopkins University
As the first research university in the United States, Johns Hopkins University is recognized for over a century of groundbreaking research and academic excellence across multiple disciplines, aimed at advancing knowledge and technology. The Bloomberg Center is pivotal in this mission by cultivating partnerships between diverse stakeholders, reinforcing its commitment to global impact.