Each January, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) brings the global technology ecosystem to Las Vegas. What began decades ago as a consumer electronics show has evolved into one of the most important convenings for emerging technology, mobility, infrastructure, and innovation leaders from around the world. CES 2026 brought together startups, corporates, investors, universities, and government agencies to showcase what’s next—and, increasingly, to wrestle with what it actually takes to move technology from concept into reality.
This year’s conference felt less about flashy prototypes and more about convergence and execution. Across the show floor and countless side conversations, a few themes stood out clearly.
First, artificial intelligence has fully moved beyond software-only use cases. “Physical AI” (AI embedded in vehicles, infrastructure, robotics, logistics, and industrial systems) was everywhere. Robotics, autonomy, edge computing, and connected systems are no longer speculative; many companies are now operating on real deployment timelines. Second, while traditional automotive OEM presence at CES continues to shift, mobility innovation itself is accelerating. Software-defined vehicles, connected infrastructure, sensing, and autonomous systems are moving from demonstrations toward real-world use, often led by global companies and international startups. And finally, CES continues to be as much about people as technology. The most meaningful value comes not from any single booth or keynote, but from conversations that surface the overall needs, constraints, and opportunities facing high-growth companies.
My Focus Going Into CES
Going into CES, my focus was intentional. As Executive Director of Curiosity Lab, I am not interested in chasing novelty. I was focused on:
- Companies with real deployment readiness—startups and growth-stage companies prepared to move technology into live environments
- Corporates with clear innovation agendas, particularly those thinking seriously about validation, pilots, and scaled adoption
- International partners actively exploring U.S. market entry and real-world testing pathways
Curiosity Lab is a living laboratory where connected mobility, infrastructure, logistics, and secure systems are deployed, tested, and validated in an active city. That real-world context shapes how I approach CES. My goal is to listen carefully, pressure-test our messaging, understand what companies are looking for, and build a thoughtful pipeline aligned with our deployment strategy and the City of Peachtree Corners’ economic development goals.
Why Deployment Strategy Matters More Than Ever
One of the strongest takeaways from CES this year is that the ecosystem is moving past “pilot for pilot’s sake.” Many companies—especially in mobility, infrastructure, and AI—are now asking harder questions:
- Where can we test this safely and credibly?
- How do we validate in real operating conditions?
- What does it take to move from proof-of-concept to real adoption?
At Curiosity Lab, deployments are not one-off experiments. They are a core strategic lever. Our deployment process is selective and structured, designed to help companies validate technology in live municipal environments while also advancing broader ecosystem and economic development outcomes. We focus on technologies aligned with our core sectors—connected and autonomous mobility, connected infrastructure and edge systems, intelligent logistics and last-mile technologies, and secure and connected systems—and evaluate opportunities based on feasibility, safety, and anticipated impact.
CES provided a valuable opportunity to meet hundreds of companies across stages and sectors, learn where they are in their journey, and determine whether Curiosity Lab could be a meaningful next step. For companies that felt aligned, I walked through what deployment at Curiosity Lab looks like, shared our intake process, and began building more intentional relationships beyond the conference.
A Highlight: Korean Innovation at CES
One highlight of the week was judging the Korean Innovation Pitching Challenge in the Korean Pavilion, hosted in partnership with Startup Junkie and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). The competition featured 16 Korean startups selected through a highly competitive process—companies with proven concepts and real market viability. Korea had a really significant presence at CES this year, representing a majority of the Innovation Award winners and the largest single-brand footprint in Eureka Park.
Judging the competition was not only fun, but also a great window into the depth of innovation coming out of Korea and the serious interest many of these companies have in U.S. expansion. It was also a chance to engage with other investors and innovation leaders, and to compare notes on which technologies feel truly ready for real-world deployment.
Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Pipeline
CES also reinforced the importance of partnerships to economic development and innovation. I spent much of the week working closely with Bertrand Lapoire, Director of Economic Development for the City of Peachtree Corners. His focus on attracting and expanding larger companies dovetails naturally with my work supporting startups and growth-stage companies through technology validation and building momentum. Together, we were able to clearly articulate the broader story of Peachtree Corners: a connected, reinforcing ecosystem where companies at different stages can test, grow, and scale.
Looking Ahead
As is often the case with CES, the real value will reveal itself over the months ahead—through follow-up conversations, deployments, partnerships, and companies that take the next step. CES 2026 reinforced that the technology conversation is maturing, and that real-world deployment environments matter more than ever.
At Curiosity Lab, that’s exactly where we focus.
Emily is the current Executive Director of Curiosity Lab where she leads all expansion strategy, strategic partnerships across public and private sectors, and current member relations. With more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of startups, venture capital, and economic development, she specializes in building strategic partnerships and leading initiatives that accelerate innovation and strengthen entrepreneurial communities. Emily has held senior leadership roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, leading initiatives that advance innovation, economic growth, and community impact.
Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyjheintz/
Connect with Bertrand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blapoire/