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Nordic Innovation Summit 2026

October 13-14, 2026

Seattle, WA


Dates:

October 13-14, 2026

Location:

Seattle, WA

Register Now

Fostering Innovation Between the Nordics & PNW

The Nordic Innovation Summit fosters cross-collaboration between science, community, government, and industry to accelerate cultural exchange between the Pacific Northwest and the Nordics — two of the most innovative regions in the world.

By aligning these four pillars, the Summit moves beyond discussion toward integrated, actionable solutions.

This Year's Theme: Arctic 360

In 2026, the Nordic Innovation Summit focuses on Arctic policy, taking a holistic perspective that balances bold action with diplomatic stewardship.

The Summit will bring together high-profile speakers from the US and Nordics, as well as Arctic experts and media specialists for dynamic and interactive conversation. This year, you get to be an active participant in the discussion as well, with the addition of real-time audience Q&A during each session.

Split into four sessions, you will learn about the Arctic through the lens of academia, policy, community, and implementation.

Spotlights

  • Research
    Research

    Understanding the Arctic reality

  • Policy
    Policy

    Navigating governance and opportunity

  • Community
    Community

    Physical, mental, social, and community health

  • Implementation
    Implementation

    Nordic and Washington state solutions

Reserve your ticket

General: $250
Early Bird*: $225
Museum Members: $225

Register now

*Early Bird discount available through July 31, 2026.


Featured Speakers

Spotlights

  • Princess Marie of Denmark

    Marie Agathe Odile

    Her Royal Highness Princess of Denmark
  • Maria Cantwell

    Maria Cantwell

    Washington State Senator

Keep up with the Summit

To stay informed with this year's Nordic Innovation Summit, sign up for the NIS newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox.

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About the Nordic Innovation Summit

The Nordic Innovation Summit was launched in 2018 by the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, Washington State’s only National Museum.


Agenda

Tuesday, October 13

Evening:
  • Opening session featuring Princess Marie of Denmark and other Nordic and US government speakers
  • Opening reception


Wednesday, October 14

Full Day:
  • Session 1: Academia
  • Session 2: Policy
  • Session 3: Community
  • Session 4: Innovation Showcase
  • Networking reception

Testimonials

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The Nordic Museum is not only about the past, it's also about the future. The facilities here are fantastic.

- Casper von Koskull, CEO, Nordea Bank AB

I was so proud to just be part of it and really reflect on the Nordic countries and what we have in common with the Pacific Northwest.

- Tuula Rytilä, Formerly Corporate VP, Microsoft Digital Stores

I just knew that this was going to be a place to find ideas, find inspiration - also encouragement to know that there are people around the world struggling with the same challenges we're struggling with and coming up with creative answers.

- Marko Liias, Washington State Senator

"Thank you for a well-executed event with world class speakers and agenda."

    —Rob Balconi, Ericsson

"The Nordic Innovation Summit is really my favourite event in the US – professional, interesting, innovative, friendly and fun! I had three amazing days!"

    —Cecilia Lif, Embassy of Sweden

Whether it's Finland, Sweden, Norway, you have so much innovation coming out of these small countries that's actually a fuel empowering the whole world on technology.

- Elaine Weidman Grunewald, Co-Founder, AI Sustainability Center

Seeing what's happening up here in Seattle with the ecosystem whether the university, with large corporations, with a startup scene, and that scale ups, and the venture funds, and great talents, I think we can really learn something.

- Hilde Tonne, Chief Innovation Officer, Ramboll Group

There's so much innovation and so much creation and new exciting things happening in the Nordic countries.

- Petra Hilleberg, Honorary Consul, Sweden

I think we can really learn from each other. We obviously have a number of enormous problems that need to be solved and I think looking two examples of success in other countries is very valuable.

- Tom Alberg, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Madrona Venture Group

The beauty of this summit is that you have a melting pot of startup, innovators, big corporations, people who are living in Scandinavia, the ones who are living here, sharing ideas, their experiences, best practices, learning from failures.

- Vahé Torossian, President, Microsoft Western Europe

Spotlights

  • Sponsorship Opportunities

    We partner with companies that share our vision of innovating for the greater good. If that’s you, let’s chat!

    Learn More
  • Media Inquiries

    Need more information about the Nordic Innovation Summits or other events at the National Nordic Museum?

    Contact Us
  • Location & Parking

    Plan your visit to the National Nordic Museum in Ballard!

    Location & Parking