Business leaders worldwide are working to understand what comes next. And more urgently, what today's shifts mean for Gen Z as future change-makers.
Local businesses and company executives turned to the next generation for answers to these questions during the NEXT Innovation Scholars Futures Forum 2026, held at the University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub in late April. Searching for a clearer read on what's ahead for Gen Z as rising leaders and customers, they were guided by a group of extraordinary students studying the future from the inside out.
NEXT Innovation Scholars brings together high-achieving Bearcat undergraduates for a transdisciplinary educational experience rooted in design thinking and future-focused innovation. These scholars apply their expertise across industries and disciplines, working beyond traditional academic boundaries. Fortune 500 companies from Cincinnati to New York City and Silicon Valley have recruited the NEXT Innovation Scholars to solve real-world challenges, taking their insights seriously and implementing their recommendations.
NIS identified the following four macrotrends that could shape what's next:
- The new American Dream
- The techno-social tug of war
- The noninvasive age
- Lifemaxxing
Aaron Bradley, founding director of UC's NEXT Innovation Scholars program, understands the Foresight Lab's unique value for Bearcats and businesses alike.
To learn more about the NIS Foresight Lab's work, discover insights from Volume 3 of the Horizon Shift Creators Report. The next edition of Horizon Shift is set to be released later this year.
Volume 4 will be packed with rich, impactful foresights from today's Gen Z innovators, as seen during Futures Forum 2026. Looking for an overview while you wait? Read on.
Corporate decision-makers and community leaders return to UC's 1819 Innovation Hub each year for the NIS Futures Forum because they know there is value in hearing from the next generation.
Since launching in 2021, NEXT Innovation Scholars has completed 44 innovation projects for 33 partner companies across 12 industries. The program's clients range from Fortune 500 firms in the Cincinnati Innovation District to startups growing with help from UC's best and brightest scholars.
Interested in joining NEXT Innovation Scholars? Head to our student site to learn more about the program and apply.
Looking to partner with NIS? Discover how our team can meet your organization's needs.
Featured image at top: Guests reading foresights at NIS Futures Forum 2026. Photo/Ally Mescher
