FreedomFest 2026

At a time when trust in legacy institutions is declining and society's most important challenges remain unsolved, how do we build ventures capable of achieving breakthrough impact? Drawing on lessons from the University of Austin (UATX) and other pioneering efforts, Chad Thevenot and Dr. Pano Kanelos will share a practical framework for launching and scaling bold social ventures. This session explores why human flourishing depends on builders rather than bureaucracies, founders rather than plans, and experimentation rather than social engineering. Attendees will leave with a new perspective on innovation, philanthropy, and institution-building in an era of profound change.