How AI‑powered agility is transforming R&D confidence, speed, and adaptability

When innovation cycles accelerate and decisions need to happen quickly, R&D and Insight teams face a familiar tension: how to keep pace without compromising the depth, clarity, and confidence the business depends on.

At this year’s C4RI Breakfast Briefing, we explore how agile research is evolving – and how AI is now changing the equation.

We’re no longer in the “what can AI do?” phase.
We’re in the commercial reality phase.

That means asking better questions:

  • Where does AI genuinely add value?

  • Where is the trade-off between speed and certainty worth it?

  • And where do human expertise and AI together outperform either alone?

This session brings together senior leaders from FMCG, healthcare, and consumer products to explore exactly that – through real examples, honest discussion, and practical application.

We’ll be stepping past the idea that “agile = fast.”
Agile research has always been about speed.
But today, it’s about smarter speed.

AI and synthetic approaches introduce new possibilities – faster turnaround, lower cost, broader exploration – but also new considerations around accuracy, risk, and application.

This year, we move beyond theory and hype to focus on:

  • Where AI enhances agility in real-world research

  • Where it doesn’t (and why that matters)

  • How to make commercially sound decisions about its use

Expect a morning that’s energising, practical, and genuinely interactive, built around real examples, real challenges, and real solutions you can take back to your team.

What’s New for 2026?

You’ll see the latest SprintAI advancements designed to enhance the way R&D and Insight teams work, including:

  • Adaptive, AI-supported analysis for evolving research questions

  • Smarter AI-driven synthesis, making complex insight easier to interpret

  • Mid‑study pivot capabilities for projects that need to change direction

  • Faster, deeper interpretation tools that support fast-moving decision cycles

These innovations aren’t just upgrades, they open the door to new ways of working, new ways of learning, and new ways of making confident, insight‑led decisions.

Why Attend?

This session is tailored for R&D leaders navigating rapid innovation timelines and high‑stakes decisions. You’ll gain:

  • A grounded understanding of AI’s real role in agile research today

  • A real, behind-the-scenes case study showing AI + human insight in action

  • Direct, honest perspectives from client-side R&D and Insight leaders

  • Practical ways to enhance your team’s speed, responsiveness, and depth

  • The chance to discuss where AI works – and where it doesn’t – with peers

Key Takeaways

You’ll leave with:

  • A clearer view of when AI is commercially worth it – and when it’s not

  • Practical frameworks for balancing speed, cost, and certainty

  • Real examples of AI-enhanced agile research in action

  • New ways to combine human expertise with AI capability

  • Ideas you can apply immediately to your own innovation challenges

The Campaign for Real Innovation - C4RI

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Leeds City Centre

Format: Arrival breakfast → short presentations → real case study → client panel → interactive co-creation discussions → Q&A

Audience: Senior leaders in Consumer Insight, R&D, Innovation, Product Development, Early‑Stage Concepting, and Strategy

This year’s session includes: An interactive format with small-group round tables, co‑creation activities, and shared problem‑solving around real innovation challenges

Note: Spaces are intentionally limited to keep conversations meaningful and ensure everyone can participate.

Reserve Your Place

Secure your seat here by filling in the form below…

Meet the speakers…

Kate Binner

Kate Binner
Head of R&D Insight
Blue Yonder, a Curion company
…………………………….

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Richard Heath

Richard Heath
Managing Director
Blue Yonder, a Curion company
………………………………

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We also have two amazing client panellists to be announced!

We’d be delighted to welcome you for a morning of energising discussion, practical learning, and fresh perspectives on the future of agile insight and the role it plays in faster, smarter R&D decision‑making.

Last year’s event: How to achieve agility in R&D

C4RI Agility Event 25 - Discussion
C4RI Agility Event 25 - Networking

Ready to talk?

Tell us about your goals. Whatever the stage, whatever the horizon, let’s find a way to get your business an edge.

Let’s Talk