# Innovation Theater vs. Real Impact: How to Tell the Difference

- Event: Techne Summit Alexandria 2026
- When: Sunday, 4 October 2026, 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm (Cairo time, GMT+3)
- Where: The Great Hall, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria
- Track: Corporate Innovation
- Page: https://techne-summit-concept.pages.dev/agenda/innovation-theater-vs-real-impact-how-to-tell-the-difference
- Calendar: https://techne-summit-concept.pages.dev/agenda/innovation-theater-vs-real-impact-how-to-tell-the-difference.ics

Many large organizations in the region run innovation labs, hackathons, and accelerators — but struggle to show business results. This panel separates genuine corporate innovation from performative activity, featuring corporate leaders who have built innovation functions that actually move the needle on revenue, efficiency, or new business lines.

## Speakers

- [Moataz Darwish](https://techne-summit-concept.pages.dev/speakers/moataz-darwish.md), Associate Professor of Practice, Heikal Management Department, Onsi Sawiris School of Business, The American University in Cairo (AUC) (Moderator)
- [Jerome Challandard](https://techne-summit-concept.pages.dev/speakers/jerome-challandard.md), Chief Business Officer, Blue Bridge Group AI
- [Hassan Mansi](https://techne-summit-concept.pages.dev/speakers/hassan-mansi.md), Chief Operating Officer, E3 Ventures
- [Margret O’Connor](https://techne-summit-concept.pages.dev/speakers/margret-o-connor.md), Chairperson, Launch Africa Ventures
- [Mohamed ElSabban](https://techne-summit-concept.pages.dev/speakers/mohamed-elsabban.md), Chief Innovation & Strategic Ventures Officer, Banque Misr