A small, invite-only program where brand-side research and insights leaders work directly with Rival on applied AI — new tools, workflows, and standards for how research gets done.
Cohort 2 begins October 2026, with a limited number of returning and new teams.
The real question is: Is your team ready to use it well?
Not just talk about it. Not just test a tool or two. But actually change how research gets done.
Innovation Insiders is a 12-month, hands-on program designed to help brand-side researchers move from AI curiosity to real capability—together.
To gain momentum, you don’t need another random LinkedIn post or standalone webinar.
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.
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.
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 Executive Director in Innovation, Special Projects, & Global Community Management, Warner Bros. Discovery
Cohort 2 is starting in late October 2026. There will be a catch-up sessions for teams joining for the first time.
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.
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.
Cohort 1 was made up of research teams from People Inc, Warner Bros. Discovery, Oura and Beem Credit Union.
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.
We are always innovating with new AI capabilities, check out this webpage to learn about what we have on offer.
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.
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.
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.
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