Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing Co-President and Co-Founder Addison Merchut will deliver the opening keynote at UPWARD 2026 on September 29 at Hyde Park Labs in Chicago.
UPWARD 2026 is a half-day leadership forum focused on the responsible deployment and supervision of intelligent systems, bringing together executives, investors, and policymakers to explore the impact of AI, quantum computing, robotics, and deep tech on global industry.
Hardware Is Hard: Building Stronger Products Through AI-Enhanced NPI
Taking the stage at 9:30 a.m., Addison will present Hardware Is Hard: Building Stronger Products Through AI-Enhanced NPI.
His keynote will explore a reality Hatch encounters every day: developing physical products is inherently difficult. Physics, supply chains, and manufacturing do not bend to software timelines. Rather than shortcutting those challenges, AI can serve as a force multiplier for rigor, helping tighten the gaps between engineering, documentation, quality, and procurement throughout the new product introduction process.
UPWARD 2026
September 29, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hyde Park Labs | Chicago, IL
Learn more about the conference and UPWARD 2026 at UPWARD.
