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Rival Technologies Launches Second Year of Innovation Insiders Program

Rival Technologies has officially announced the commencement of the second year of its highly regarded Innovation Insiders program, aimed at advancing applied AI for research and insights teams within top-tier enterprises. Set to kick off in November 2026, this year’s initiative invites a select group of new brands alongside returning participants, including renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery and Oura.

The first year of the Innovation Insiders initiative was a transformative experience for participating companies, as they transitioned from merely discussing AI applications to actively implementing strategies that connect their existing data and research tools with the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Participants were empowered to create tailored skills, map return on investment (ROI) related to AI initiatives, and explore new methodologies for research that combined traditional practices with innovative synthetic approaches.

Sofia Gomez Garcia, executive director of innovation and global community at Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighted the program's significance, stating, "Innovation Insiders provided our team with a structured environment and community that enabled us to advance in AI applications rather than just talking about it. The fast-paced nature of AI can overwhelm many organizations, but the program was focused on actionable tools that we could use immediately. The emphasis on psychological safety was as crucial as the skills we acquired."

For this upcoming year, Rival Technologies plans to delve deeper into the specifics of utilizing AI within participants' existing data sets, systems, and workflows. Each month will feature tailored sessions designed to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its applications in research.

Andrew Reid, the CEO and founder of Rival Technologies, emphasized the importance of hands-on involvement from senior leaders in the process of AI implementation. "It's vital for senior leaders to engage closely with their teams to steward AI transformations within their organizations. While they do not need to become AI experts, being intimately familiar with the operational aspects allows them to make informed decisions regarding tools and partnerships that will benefit their teams," he remarked.

As the inaugural group of Innovation Insiders concludes on October 13, 2026, with an in-person hackathon scheduled at Fairmont Château Whistler, British Columbia, excitement builds toward Rival Summit, which will take place shortly thereafter on October 14-15 at the same venue.

This year, participating brands are allowed to register a maximum of six representatives who will engage in a rich curriculum consisting of bi-monthly live sessions, tailored workshops addressing individual workflow challenges, an online hackathon, and exclusive access to custom AI tools and early prototypes from Rival Labs.

For research and insights teams eager to get involved, further information and applications can be found on Rival Technologies’ official website at rivaltech.com/innovation-insiders.

About Rival Technologies

Rival Technologies is a pioneering research technology company redefining brand-consumer interactions. Through its AI-driven, mobile-first platform, Rival transforms conventional surveys into engaging, conversational experiences that resonate with contemporary communication styles. By merging qualitative, quantitative, and video insights into a unified flow, Rival enables leading global brands—such as Cash App, Carnival Corporation, and Warner Bros. Discovery—to capture profound insights and expedite their decision-making processes. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Technology Suppliers in the 2025 GRIT report by Greenbook, Rival is committed to enhancing how brands understand their audiences.

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