May 2025

This month’s newsletter offers a thoughtful look at what’s happening across the IMA community. You’ll find an invitation to join us at IMPACT 25, recaps from recent community events, and highlights from member companies making news. We’re excited to share these updates with you and appreciate your continued engagement.

Please take a moment to read our partner articles below.

Thank you

BREAKING NEWS

Anduril and Meta Team Up to Transform XR for the American Military

Anduril and Meta are partnering to design, build, and field a range of integrated XR products that provide warfighters with enhanced perception and enable intuitive control of autonomous platforms on the battlefield. The capabilities enabled by the partnership will draw on more than a decade of investment by both companies in advanced hardware, software, and artificial intelligence.

You're Invited: IMPACT 25 – This October in Washington, D.C.

We’re thrilled to announce IMPACT 25, a high-level summit hosted this October at The Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C.—right across from the White House.

This invitation-only event will bring together innovators, investors, policymakers, and strategists shaping the future of the “New Frontier.” From robotics and clean energy to genomics, defense, and AI, the conference will spotlight sectors poised to define the next decade.

The venue—steeped in American history—adds a layer of gravitas to what will be a deeply engaging and visually stunning experience. We’ve reserved the iconic Top of the Hay, offering panoramic views of the capital for networking, panels, and a dedicated IMPACT cocktail lounge.

If you’d like to join our invitation list or become a partner, please reach out to sinan@imanetwork.org. More details at impact25.live

Scott Boatwright at the Pacific Club: A Fireside Chat with the CEO of Chipotle

In a landmark evening hosted by the International Executive Council (IEC) at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, over 150 senior executives gathered for an extraordinary conversation with Scott Boatwright, CEO of $70B market-cap Chipotle (NYSE: CMG).

From Venice to the Stars: KCOMM at The Frontier Summit with Type One Ventures

This month, KCOMM joined visionaries from across the globe in Venice, Italy, for The Frontier Summit, hosted by Type One Ventures (T1V). With more than 150 leaders in space, AI, venture capital, and frontier technology, the summit focused on building and sustaining a thriving space economy.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire Unveils Wall Mural Celebrating the Power of Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) held a special ceremony on Wed., May 21, 2025, at the organization’s Santa Ana headquarters to unveil a one-of-a-kind wall mural celebrating the life-changing impact of mentorship.

Mothers, Mentors & Meaningful Impact: Highlights from the 2025 Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast

Orange County United Way brought together community leaders, philanthropists and changemakers for the 22nd Annual Women's Philanthropy Fund Breakfast — held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

Mapping The Brain: The Future Of Neuroscience With Dr. Jin Hyung Lee

In this episode of FYI - For Your Innovation, ARK’s Chief Futurist, Brett Winton, and Research Analyst Nemo Marjanovic, sit down with Dr. Jin Hyung Lee, a leading neuroscience researcher at Stanford University. Dr. Lee and her team are pioneering breakthroughs in understanding brain function—an essential step toward diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. The conversation explores the complexities of the brain, the challenges in defining and diagnosing neurological diseases, and why current diagnostic tools are still crude. Dr. Lee discusses how her research combines optogenetics, fMRI, and AI to create functional maps of the brain, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. The trio also examines the broader implications of AI-powered diagnostics, how machine learning is revolutionizing precision medicine, and why we may be on the verge of a neuroscience revolution.

Whit Batchelor Named Head of New San Diego Office

Whittier Trust is pleased to announce that Whit Batchelor has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Client Advisor and San Diego Regional Manager, where he will lead the firm’s newest office in San Diego. This appointment underscores Whittier Trust’s dedication to internal leadership development and its commitment to maintaining a client-first culture and relationships spanning generations through experienced, long-tenured professionals.

GUGLI Sharing Trends and Technologies for Protecting People and Property at International Events on Fire Safety in UK and Singapore

GUGLI, an innovator in sensing and monitoring systems for emergency responder communication (ERRCS) as well as private and commercial wireless networks, is sharing its expertise internationally on the vital role of these systems in protecting people and property.

INKPAY and INK Games Join Forces with PayOS – Brings AI-Driven Payments to Life

INKPAY, the cutting-edge payment platform from INK, and INK Games, a leader in decentralized gaming ecosystems, are proud to announce their official alignment with PayOS, a card-native payments and billing platform for agentic commerce. PayOS is enabling INKPAY to seamlessly access and leverage AI-driven commerce capabilities with major card brands like Visa and Mastercard. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of smart, secure, and AI-driven payment ecosystems across entertainment, gaming, and everyday commerce.

How To Make Sure You Have The Right Insurance Coverage For Your Needs

By NeighborWorks Orange County If you only think about your insurance when something goes wrong, you’re likely too late. Wildfires, floods, unexpected disasters — California homeowners know all too well how quickly life can change. Every year, people lose their homes and belongings, only to realize too late that their insurance won’t fully cover the damage. In fact, a recent CBS

Historic Preservation: Catalyzing Economic Growth and Revitalization Across Southern California

Southern California’s distinct blend of history, culture, and architectural charm is transforming. As more historic buildings are preserved, they are proving to be powerful economic drivers, revitalizing neighborhoods and attracting businesses, tourists, and residents.