Pasadena Summit Bridges Innovation With Entrepreneurship, To Boost Local Economy

[Updated]  The Third Annual Pasadena Economic and Business Summit, set for Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Altadena Town and Country Club, will unite local business leaders with research institutions. The collaborative event, jointly organized by the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, is expected to draw more than 120 attendees seeking economic insights and possible business relationships.

Representatives from Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) will demonstrate how their research generates technologies that can be adapted by local businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses and entrepreneurship play a huge role in our local economy,” Paul Little, President of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “The Summit points out how the City and the Chamber work together to foster prosperity and economic growth in Pasadena.”

“We’re excited to provide this opportunity for our business community to learn more about research programs and efforts at creating business from that research,” said Chamber Board Chair Katelyn Barchowsky.

“As a hub for this level of work, the resulting business opportunities have a significant positive impact on our local economic future. These world-leading institutions help create technologies that are infused into local businesses and help create opportunities, including the creation of small businesses that provide technologies to the industry.”

The two-hour summit, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will feature economic experts delivering keynote speeches, panel discussions, and dedicated networking sessions for attendees.

“The Chamber is keenly aware of trends and influences that may impact the local economy as well as influence the growth and development of our members,” Little added. “The Summit is a chance for us to hear from experts on what those may be and how they may impact our members and ourselves.”

The cost is $90 per ticket, and a corporate table of 8 (with acknowledgment and signage) is $850.

The City of Pasadena serves as the primary underwriter for this annual gathering, with additional support coming from local and national business sponsors.

The event continues a tradition of providing both local and broader economic overview reports, helping guide business decisions for Pasadena’s growing entrepreneurial community. It also emphasizes the unique ecosystem where research institutions actively contribute to small business development through technology transfer and innovation partnerships.

To sign up for the summit, visit https://www.pasadena-chamber.org/form/webform-2028 and fill in and submit your details.