Volcano Innovation Summit: the ecosystem where great ideas become opportunities

Great transformations begin when the right people come together. That is the philosophy behind Volcano Innovation Summit, a platform based in Antigua Guatemala that connects entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, scientists, artists, and global leaders to transform ideas into partnerships, projects, and opportunities with a lasting impact across Latin America.

From September 5 to 7, 2026, Volcano Summit will celebrate its seventh edition under the theme “Echoes of Expansion”, a concept that invites participants to explore seven echoes: Purpose, Trust, Community, Innovation, Impact, Transformation, and Expansion. More than just a theme, it reflects the evolution of a community that understands that an idea can flourish when it finds the right environment and meaningful connections.

Volcano Summit Evolved from an Event into a Community Connecting Talent and Innovation

Since its launch in 2018, Volcano Summit has grown beyond an annual gathering to become a regional ecosystem designed to strengthen communities, create relationship-driven experiences, and connect the people driving Latin America’s development.

Today, the platform brings together more than 10,000 members from 45 countries, including startups, investment funds, corporations, universities, scientists, artists, and business leaders. Through this network, Volcano Summit has facilitated more than 100,000 meaningful connections, generating an estimated economic and social value of USD 1.5 trillion.

For Janma Bardi, Founder & Co-Chair of Volcano Summit, the inspiration behind the project has always been rooted in the power of volcanic land.

"Just as fertile soil allows new seeds to flourish, Volcano Summit seeks to create the space where a conversation can become a partnership, a new client, a strategic ally, or the investment that transforms an idea into a solution for Guatemala and Latin America," she said.

"Behind this initiative is a committed team and a community that makes it possible for inspiration to become action, proving that, just like volcanic soil, the best projects flourish when they find the right environment," she added.

An Experience Bringing Together Global Leaders in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The 2026 edition will welcome 2,200 global and regional leaders from 35 countries, further establishing Guatemala as one of the region’s leading destinations for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Cristóbal Perdomo, General Partner and Co-Founder of Wollef (Mexico).
• Ivana María Moreno Valle, CEO of Dalia (Mexico).
• Nikita Farenholz, Founder of Delivery Hero (Germany).
• Beatriz de los Mozos, Founder & CEO of Flabelus (Spain).
• Ed Soo Hoo, CTO of Global Accounts at Lenovo (United States).
• Rolando Carvajal, General Manager of Heineken Costa Rica.
• Dr. Kim Tan, Co-Founder of Transformational Business Network (United Kingdom).
• Oke Okaro, former Senior Vice President of Business Operations at The Walt Disney Company (United States).
• Alejandro Zárate, Chief Data Officer and AI Officer at Banco Santander México.
• Abdon Nacif, Founder of Nexu (Bolivia).
• Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space and former engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
• Dileep Thazhmon, Founder and CEO of Jeeves (United States).

The agenda will also feature startup founders, investment funds, corporations, and universities specializing in technology and innovation, creating an environment designed to exchange knowledge, discover emerging trends, and generate new collaboration opportunities.

An Ecosystem Supported by Organizations That Believe in the Region’s Potential

Volcano Summit’s growth is also driven by organizations committed to innovation and business development. Banco MultiMoney, Banco Industrial, and Castillo Hermanos participate as corporate partners, strategic sponsors, and key players within the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, strengthening a space where talent finds capital, knowledge, and valuable connections.

For Federico Parker, VP of Banking at Banco MultiMoney Guatemala, the event represents a platform that empowers local and regional talent by connecting entrepreneurs and innovators with opportunities and strategic partners.

"We firmly believe that the future of Guatemala and Central America is built through innovation. We want to be a strategic partner for those seeking to transform ideas into projects with real impact. Volcano Summit inspires us because it reflects the potential of our region and its ability to create positive change," he said.

At Banco Industrial, Michel Caputi, Strategic Alliances Manager, believes these spaces strengthen relationships among corporations, startups, and entrepreneurs who are redefining Central America’s growth.

"This gathering allows us to strengthen connections, create new opportunities for collaboration, and contribute to the development of businesses that are transforming the region. Beyond networking, we seek to generate real impact for the companies building Central America’s future," he noted.

In addition to the main event, Volcano Summit will continue expanding initiatives such as Startup Avenue, Founders Club, the Acceleration Program, the Startup Avenue Competition, and Volcano4Good. As part of this edition, 50 Latin American startups will be selected to receive mentorship, fundraising preparation, and strategic connections that will culminate in their participation in the Volcano Summit Demo Day before international investors.

More Than an Event, a Community That Creates Opportunities

Volcano Innovation Summit continues to establish itself as a meeting point where innovation grows through human connections. Every conversation can open new opportunities, every encounter can spark strategic partnerships, and every idea can find the support it needs to become reality.

Under the theme “Echoes of Expansion”, the event reaffirms its commitment to bringing together talent, investment, technology, and creativity from Antigua Guatemala, strengthening an ecosystem where opportunities flourish and ideas evolve into impactful projects. In doing so, it advances a shared vision of contributing to Latin America’s transformation and development through collaboration and innovation.

How to Participate

Those interested in learning more about this edition or becoming part of the experience can visit volcanosummit.com, where they will find information about the program, the speakers, and the application process for attending the gathering that will bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the region.