Welcome to the second Fourth Generation Knowledge Districts Conference conference! 

In 2024, the first Fourth Generation Knowledge Districts Conference started a new series of events devoted to the study of innovation and knowledge-production environments. In 2026, the second edition of this event will broaden the discussion, including more topics and drawing experts from a wider array of disciplines, in order to establish an unparalleled forum for sharing perspectives. The conference will have three main topics - (1) Innovation economy and the organization of innovation ecosystems, (2) Social innovation and (3) Urban innovation - which will be permeated by Sustainable Development as a core concept.

While the first edition took place at the International Hub for Sustainable Development (HIDS) in Campinas, the second 4GKD will be held in the São Paulo Innovation District, in the western part of the city of São Paulo, a joint initiative of USP, IPT, IPEN, Instituto Butantan, Fapesp, the City of São Paulo and the Government of the State of São Paulo. The area, crossed by the Pinheiros River, includes the University City, Vila Leopoldina, Jaguaré and Pinheiros, bringing together several technology companies, open innovation programs, public bodies and environmental agencies, as well as more than 300 advanced research centers funded by Fapesp.

The event will include a variety of activities, such as workshops, round tables, mini courses, technical visits and scientific work presentations, and will be highlighted by impactful keynote speeches and an awards ceremony. The objective of 4GKD2026 is to bring together society and actors from the triple helix (government, universities and the industry) in order to collaboratively identify and solve complex challenges, creating a powerful synergy that generates mutually beneficial outcomes and enhances overall societal progress. 

Event registration

We are working to make 4GKD2026 an accessible event for everyone. To that end, the registration fee will be minimal, covering only items not covered by funding agencies. Full fee waivers will be offered to Black, mixed-race, and Indigenous people, people with disabilities, undergraduate scholarship recipients from public or private universities, and retired people not presenting a paper. Eligibility for the waiver will be self-declared. Ask us if you need a waiver for other reasons.

All participants will receive a certificate of participation in the event, which will serve as proof of 15 hours and 30 minutes of extension activity. Pre-registration for the pre-event workshops and for the technical visits are already open and are free for everyone.

Paid registration for the event is open from June 16th to August 1st, and there will be a discount for those who register by July 15th. Don't miss out!

Fees:

• Undergraduate students with or without a presentation: until July 15th R$120.00, after July 15th R$130.00

• Postgraduate students with or without a presentation: until July 15th R$200.00, after July 15th R$220.00

• Doctoral professors and researchers with a presentation: until July 15th R$350.00, after July 15th R$380.00

• Other participants without a presentation: until July 15th R$240.00, after July 15th R$260.00

Important dates

Call for extended abstracts: December, 2025
Abstract submission deadline: April 15h, 2026  (new deadline)
Notification of abstract acceptance: April 30th, 2026
Extended abstract submission deadline: May 30th, 2026

Workshop pre-registration: Already available

Technical visits pre-registration: Already available

Notification of extended abstract acceptance: June 15th, 2026

Camera-ready extended abstract: June 30th, 2026
Workshop and technical visits notification of acceptance: June 15th, 2026
Registrations: from June 16th to August 1st, 2026 (discount registrations by July 15th, 2026)

Workshops: August 17-19, 2026
Technical visit: August 19, 2026
Conference: August 19-21, 2026

Any questions? E-mail the conference chairs.