Rival Technologies Launches Second Annual Innovation Insiders Program

Rival Technologies, a research technology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has announced the launch of its second annual Innovation Insiders program, an applied artificial intelligence (AI) program designed for senior research and insights leaders. The program, set to begin in November, aims to build on the success of its inaugural year, which saw research teams from leading brands like Warner Bros. Discovery and Oura integrate AI into their workflows.

The Innovation Insiders program offers a 12-month structured experience, with sessions focusing on practical application and community building. According to Sofia Gomez Garcia, executive director of innovation and global community at Warner Bros. Discovery, the program provided her team with the necessary structure and community to effectively implement AI solutions.

Gomez Garcia noted, "Innovation Insiders gave our team the framework and the community to actually move forward on AI, not just talk about it. With the rapid pace of change, many of us are struggling to keep up. The sessions were grounded in the tools we could use and the big picture benefits, but creating that psychological safety was just as valuable."

For the second year, the program will focus more on leveraging participants' own data, systems, and processes. Each brand can register up to six participants, who will attend monthly two-hour live sessions, a half-day workshop tailored to their workflows and business needs, and an online hackathon. The program also includes access to a private peer community, custom AI tools, and early access to Rival Labs prototypes.

Andrew Reid, CEO and founder of Rival Technologies, emphasized the importance of senior leaders engaging closely with AI solutions to drive organizational change. He stated, "If you want to change how your organization uses AI in research, you can't lead that change from a distance. Senior leaders need to understand what it takes, evaluate tools and partners, and support their teams. Innovation Insiders provides a place for leaders to build that understanding and learn from other leading brands."

The inaugural Innovation Insiders group will conclude with an in-person hackathon at the Fairmont Château Whistler in British Columbia, scheduled for October 13. The hackathon will be followed by the Rival Summit, taking place on October 14-15 at the same location.

Research and insights teams interested in applying for the second year of Innovation Insiders can do so at rivaltech.com/innovation-insiders.

Rival Technologies, known for its AI-driven, mobile-first platform that transforms traditional surveys into engaging, chat-like experiences, has continued to redefine how brands understand consumer behavior. The company recently received recognition for its innovative approach, being named to the Top 10 Most Innovative Technology Suppliers in Greenbook's 2025 GRIT report.