Your team experiments with AI, but can they

  • Connect it to trusted research data sources
  • Integrate it with existing platforms and workflows
  • Establish standards your organization can trust
  • Separate meaningful capabilities from AI hype

To gain momentum, you don’t need another random LinkedIn post or standalone webinar.  

Innovation Insiders:

A hands-on applied AI program for insights teams

Most AI programs are built for everyone, which means they are built for no one in their function specifically. Innovation Insiders is the only structured program built specifically for research and insights leaders, grounded in the tools they already use, and moves at the speed of what is actually happening in AI landscape.

Starting in October 2026, Cohort 2 will bring returning participants and new brands together to connect AI with their research context, data, tools and standards—and turn experimentation into useful, repeatable ways of working.

 

Researcher participating in an Innovation Insiders live-session

This isn’t just AI theory.

Innovation Insiders is practical and hands-on.
Here's what's included:

Monthly workshops

Two-hour working sessions focused on emerging AI capabilities and their practical research applications.

Practical resources

Frameworks, templates and tools that teams can apply inside their organizations.

Exclusive peer community

A trusted space to compare approaches with research leaders from non-competing brands.

Private Team workshop

A half-day workshop built around each participating team’s own workflows and priorities.

Rival Labs early access

Be the first to access to prototypes and emerging capabilities.

Annual hackathon

A hands-on opportunity to build and test an applied AI concept.

Testimonial Quotes

Innovation Insiders gave our team the structure and the community to actually move on AI, not just talk about it.

With the speed things are moving, many of us are getting whiplash or are overwhelmed by the prospect of keeping up with AI. The sessions were grounded in what we were really dealing with, focusing on the tools we could actually use, and in seeing the big picture of net benefits. But creating that psychological safety was just as valuable as upskilling."

Sofia Gomez Garcia

Sofia Gomez Garcia Executive Director in Innovation, Special Projects, & Global Community Management, Warner Bros. Discovery

Sofia Gomez Garcia

FAQs 

When is Cohort 2 starting? 

Cohort 2 is starting in late October 2026. There will be a catch-up sessions for teams joining for the first time.

Do we need to have participated in Cohort 1 to join?

No. Cohort 2 will bring returning participants and new brands together. New participants will receive the context and support they need to be successful, while returning teams can continue building on what they learned during the first year.

How much does it cost to join the program? 

Joining the program requires an investment of $42,000 USD for the year. This covers up to 6 people in your team, including the tools they need to participate in the program. 

Which organizations have participated in Innovation Insiders so far? 

Cohort 1 was made up of research teams from People Inc, Warner Bros. Discovery, Oura and Beem Credit Union. 

Is it possible for just one person to join the program?

Not at this time. Innovation Insiders is designed for research teams rather than individuals. The goal is to foster a team-based learning environment and create momentum.  

What AI tools are available from Rival?

We are always innovating with new AI capabilities, check out this webpage to learn about what we have on offer.

What level of AI experience is required?

Cohort 2 is best suited to research and insights leaders who have some familiarity with general-purpose AI tools and are ready to explore how AI can be applied within their organization’s research workflows.

How are competing brands managed within the cohort?

Rival carefully curates each cohort to avoid bringing direct competitors into the same group. Applications are reviewed before participation is confirmed, creating a trusted environment where teams can exchange ideas and experiences more openly.

How is proprietary data protected?

The program is designed to work within each organization’s existing data, security and AI policies. Participants are not expected to share proprietary or confidential data with Rival or other cohort members. Each team remains in control of what it brings into program activities and shares within the group.

Resources to elevate your AI knowledge

Market Research Trends 2026

Market Research
Trends 2026

Learn 7 ways insight teams are redefining quality, connection and impact in the age of AI.

AI Software and Tools for Qualitative Research

From Chaos to Clarity

Learn how AI and agentic workflows help research teams turn complex qualitative data into clear, actionable insights.

Agentic AI for Market Research

5 ways to apply agentic AI into your market research practice

Discover how modern research organizations use agentic AI to accelerate insights, enhance adaptability, and drive confident ...

The research on conversational insights for market research

The Research on Conversational Research

Learn the impact of conversational research on engagement, data quality, richness and depth, and more.

9 conversational research principles for customer insight professionals

9 Conversational Research Principles

Learn how leading brands use conversational research to drive business outcomes.

Want your team considered for a future cohort?

Contact us to explore whether Innovation Insiders is the right fit for your organization and team.