The Global Polytechnic Summit is planned for 2027. More information is forthcoming.
August 10-13, 2026 – Join us at the SACA National Conference - Smart Automation Certification Alliance.
About the Polytechnic Summit
The annual Polytechnic Summit brings polytechnic academic professionals and community leaders together to focus on innovation in curriculum and applied research, to build opportunities for collaboration and partnership on research and student learning, and to share best practices specific to active, applied learning. The Summit assembles leaders who shape the future of polytechnic education.
In 2017, six universities—Coventry University (UK), Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Technological University Dublin (Ireland), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Purdue University (U.S.) and University of Wisconsin – Stout (U.S.)—came together to develop relationships and strategic collaborative opportunities through successful development and delivery of university-level degree programs, applied research, professional development programs, and community outreach activities. Among the scope of these activities is an annual conference—the Polytechnic Summit.
Past Summit Themes & Topics
- Developing Cross-Institutional Research Partnerships Focusing on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
- Industry and Higher Education Collaborations: Keys to Fostering Qualified Talent
- General Education at Polytechnic Institutions
- Developing an Institutional Change Plan Towards Gender Equity
- Harnessing Digital Technology for Humanitarian Aid and International Development
- Design and Fabrication of Functional Parts with a Desktop 3D Printer
University of Wisconsin-Stout | May 18-21, 2025
The Annual Global Polytechnic Summit returned to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University. The 2025 theme was: Education Designed for the Future. Tracks included:
- Industry/Business Engagement Best Practices
- Designing for Humanistic and AI Partnerships
- Future-Focused University Systems and Infrastructure
- Entrepreneurship on a Polytechnic Campus
- Polytechnic Learning
Keynote Presentations
- "Hands-On Higher Ed and How AI Will Transform the University Experience," Matt Kirchner, President, ATS/LAB Midwest
- "Invisible Infrastructure: Reclaiming a Humanities-Inspired Technology Landscape," Rishi Jaitly, Professor of Practice; Distinguished Humanities Fellow, Virginia Tech
- "Navigating the Future: AI's Role in Higher Education," David Bruce, Executive Partner, Gartner
2025 Polytechnic Summit Archives
Continue ReadingAlgonquin College | May 14-16, 2024
Keynote Presentations
- "From Concept to Creation: An Indigenous Entrepreneur’s Journey," Jenn Harper, Indigenous Entrepreneur; Founder, Cheekbone Beauty Inc.
- "Preparing Learners for First Job Success," Ryan Craig, Managing Director, Achieve Parners
Utah Tech University | June 4-7, 2023
Keynote Presenters
- Dr. Fahmida N. Chowdhury, Office of International Science and Engineering, National Science Foundation
- Sylvester Johnson, Director of Humanities Center, Virginia Tech
- Molly Kocialski, Regional Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- David Vuletich, Senior Director, EAB
- Dustin Daugherty, Managing Director, World Trade Center Utah
- Dr. Tom Rosenbaum, President, CalTech University & Chris Guymon, Associate Provost, Utah Tech University
- Gary Bertoline, Senior Vice President, Purdue Online and Learning Innovation
Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | June 28-30, 2022 (Hybrid)
Keynote Presentations
- "Future Perspectives of Teaching and Learning at Universities of Applied Sciences,” Ulrike Tippe, TH Wildau
- "Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: A Practitioner's Views on University Education," Klaus-Michael Ahrend, HEAG Holding AG Investment Management
- "Designing an Open Polytechnic University," Michael Lacourse, Utah Tech University
Technological University Dublin | June 1-4, 2021 (Online)
University of Wisconsin-Stout | June 4-5, 2019
Keynote Presenters
- Keynote Panel: "Global Partners European Alliance," Barbara Howell, Coventry University; Bernd Steffensen, Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences; Mark Deegan, Technology University-Dublin; Uwe W. Schulz, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Robert F. Cox, Purdue University; and Charles Bomar, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Additional Keynote Presenters
- Bob Meyer, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Craig Yolitz, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Denise M. Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Steve Hellen, Catholic Relief Services
Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología | June 1-6, 2018
Keynote Presentations
- "Becoming a Successful Change Master: 5 Subtle Shifts Toward the New Missing Basics of Effective Practitioners," Dave Goldberg, ThreeJoy Associates, Inc.
- "Global Trends and the Future of Higher Education," Jaime Saavedra
- "STEM Education: What We Know Works & Why It's Not Widely Done," Phillip D. Long, University of Texas at Austin
- "The 21st Century Polytechnic University," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
- "The Evolution of a Polytechnic University," Patrick Guilfoile & Glendali Rodriguez, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- "Transforming Higher Education in Engineering and Technology," Carlos Heeren
Purdue University | June 6-7, 2017
Keynote Presentations
- "21st Century Polytechnics," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
- "Leveraging Engineering Education Innovation to Redefine Undergraduate Education," Vincent P. Manno, Olin College of Engineering
- "Traversing Boundaries to Transform Virginia Tech into a 'VT-Shaped University'," Tim Sands, Virginia Tech
- "A Novel Approach to Engineering Education," Carlos Heeran, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia
