Nearly 200 college and high school students from across the country recently joined Universal Destinations & Experiences and Comcast at Universal Orlando Resort for the first-ever Inspiring Future Innovators Summit, an immersive, multi-day event celebrating creativity, technology and innovation. Aligned with Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to create digital opportunity and build a future of Unlimited Possibilities, the summit offered students hands-on experiences across the company’s theme parks, including Universal Epic Universe.
In partnership with CodePath, Urban Arts, and Toronto Metropolitan University, students tackled real-world challenges in gaming, programming, and thrill design—applying their creativity and technical skills to develop bold new ideas.
Inside Universal Epic Universe, the company’s newest and most innovative theme park, students spent the day exploring attractions and themed worlds to identify new ways to enhance the guest experience. Teaming up to solve challenges, they pitched their ideas to a panel of Universal Destinations & Experiences and Comcast leaders, gaining valuable insights and mentorship.
“The most exciting part about this summit and experience has definitely been getting a chance to meet new people. I just wanted to break out of my comfort zone, and try new things that kind of challenge the way I thought and reintroduce creativity into my every day.” – Sydney Eze, Urban Arts
“All of my team members are from different backgrounds, from different perspectives. I have learned so much from them,” said Felipe Chicaiza, CodePath student.
Summit attendees were also briefly joined by middle school students from After School All Stars, a longtime Universal Orlando Resort partner, extending the power of possibility to an even younger audience. Together, they heard from company thought leaders and a career development panel focused on curiosity, creativity, and the power of innovation.
“Over the past three days, students have gained tangible skills that they can take back to the classroom and into their careers,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer at Comcast Corporation. “The summit truly reflects our Project UP commitment to creating opportunity and opening doors to what’s possible.”
“All of my team members are from different backgrounds, from different perspectives. I have learned so much from them.” – Felipe Chicaiza, CodePath
The Inspiring Future Innovators Summit aligned with the 10th anniversary of the Thrill Design Competition, an annual challenge where students design original ride and attraction concepts. By combining multiple programs, the company strengthened existing partnerships and expanded its platform to empower the next generation.
The summit marks the next step in Universal Destinations & Experiences’ focus to create unforgettable experiences, serve community needs and inspire future innovators.
“This summit embodied the spirit of innovation that defines our company,” said Diane O’Dell, vice president of global community relations for Universal Destinations & Experiences. “We challenged students to think boldly, experiment freely and envision what’s next. Our goal is to spark curiosity that fuels careers and to make a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
That spirit of innovation is reflected in exciting milestones across Universal Destinations & Experiences, including the 2025 openings of Universal Epic Universe and Universal Horror Unleashed, the upcoming 2026 launch of Universal Kids Resort in Texas; and plans for a theme park and resort in the United Kingdom, the company’s first in Europe.