The 2026 International Children’s Advisory Network (iCAN) Summit is a global gathering designed to empower pediatric patients and families while fostering meaningful collaboration with researchers, clinicians, and healthcare innovators. Held annually, the Summit brings together youth members, siblings, young adults, parents, and professionals for a week of interactive programming focused on pediatric research, healthcare innovation, advocacy, and STEAM engagement.

With approximately 150 attendees each year, the Summit creates a unique environment where young people living with chronic, complex, or rare medical conditions can share their lived experiences and insights directly with those developing the next generation of treatments, devices, and care models. These conversations help ensure that pediatric innovation is informed by the real needs and perspectives of patients and families.

Participants benefit from educational sessions, networking opportunities, collaborative activities, and discussions that promote patient-centered research and innovation. At the same time, healthcare and technology professionals gain invaluable perspective from youth advisors whose experiences help shape more effective and inclusive pediatric solutions.

By connecting patient voices with scientific discovery, the iCAN Summit plays an important role in advancing pediatric healthcare while empowering the next generation of advocates and leaders.