Oct. 28, 2025

13th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit

9:00am – 2:00pmLowell Memorial Auditorium

50 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852

MassINC’s Gateway Cities Innovation Summit returns this fall for its 13th year as the Commonwealth’s premier event focused on urban policy and inclusive economic development.

Join us for the 13th Annual Gateway Cities Innovation Summit on Tuesday, October 28, at the historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium. This year’s theme, Fueling Growth Through a New Age of Economic Transition, sets the stage for a day of dialogue, discovery, and celebration.

During the morning plenary and break-out sessions, we will explore new research, learn from local practitioners, and discuss opportunities for collective action. We will also recognize and celebrate the efforts of innovative Gateway City leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Check back soon for agenda and program details.


Gateway Cities Innovation Awards

The 2024 Gateway Cities Innovation Award winners.

We are currently accepting nominations for our annual Innovation Awards. In line with this year’s theme, we are looking to honor leaders who are spearheading efforts to make their communities and regions more competitive through:

  • Housing production
  • Site readiness and permitting
  • Energy production
  • Technology-based economic development
  • Downtown vitality

Submissions are open until September 15, 2025. For questions, contact Ayanna Polk at apolk@massinc.org.


Panelists Danya Smith, Keith Fairey, Sarah Link, and Lauren Campion join Ben Forman after their session on SCND.

Innovation Through the Years

Discover event recaps, key takeaways, and standout projects from past Summits that continue to drive change.

Click to read past event recaps

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The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute strengthens connections across communities and helps Gateway City leaders advance a shared policy agenda.