London is a global powerhouse of innovation - home to world-leading research institutions, AI and technology headquarters, and life sciences clusters. But as global competition intensifies, how can London continue to advance and play a transformative role in driving sustainable economic growth? 

The NLA Innovation Conference 2026 will explore how London can respond to its next cycle of reinvention and continue to deliver on the ambitions of the London Growth Plan and the UK Modern Industrial Strategy. 

As the nature of innovation research and collaboration continues to evolve, how will demand for workspaces, labs, housing and social infrastructure change in the years ahead? What types of places best support knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth? And how can the built environment continue to unlock innovation? 

Through leading case studies and best-practice placemaking strategies, the conference will demonstrate how well-designed, inclusive infrastructure is fundamental to fostering collaboration and sustaining long-term growth - particularly for innovation in life sciences, climate innovation, and AI and technology. To secure London’s global leadership in innovation, we must align policy, planning and infrastructure with the needs of a rapidly evolving sector. 

The NLA Innovation Conference is a key moment to bring distinguished leaders across government and the built environment together to influence the future of innovation and the innovation economy in London. It is a chance to exchange insights on best practice and engage in meaningful discussions about collaborative efforts to address the most pressing urban issues. 

Ultimately, how can we maximise the economic potential of London’s strongest innovation assets through well-planned, future-ready infrastructure?


Session Two: Scale and impact
From flexible workspaces and labs to well-connected innovation districts, the built environment plays a critical role in enabling collaboration, knowledge exchange and accelerating growth. What are the examples of the built environment facilitating innovation at different scales? 
Through key projects and best-practice case studies, this session will explore how design, planning and placemaking can support the distinct needs of different innovation sectors. Moving beyond individual schemes, it will foster a more place-based conversation about how we create the buildings, and ultimately districts, that sustain London’s innovation economy.