First-of-its-kind Super Bowl Innovation Summit is where NFL meets Silicon ValleyCornell BarnardSun, February 8, 2026 at 2:50 AM UTC·2 min readAs the world's eyes turn to the Bay Area this weekend for the big game, the first-of-its-kind Super Bowl LX Innovation Summit has also been taking place.
It's a collaboration between Silicon Valley leaders and the NFL. Improving player safety and enhancing the fan experience were big parts of Friday's tech talk.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"How do we make the facemask and helmet work together, so it's safer for the player?" said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Goodell is challenging Silicon Valley innovators to improve player safety in football by creating a safer helmet and facemask.
"Fifty percent of concussions involve facemask interaction. How can we make that mask more effective?" Goodell said.
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A challenge Goodell knows the Bay Area can achieve, one reason why this first-ever Super Bowl Innovation Summit is happening near Moscone Center.
"We gather at the intersection of sport, community culture and technology at a time when it's being redefined in real time," said Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMeta's CTO Andrew Bosworth said AI is already changing the game.
"The real breach will happen when we cross the threshold of getting AI involved in refereeing. They already have Hawk-Eye technology, getting spots more accurate. We miss the chain gang," said Bosworth, Meta's Chief Technology Officer.
"Acquired" podcasters Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal emceed the summit.
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"It's not a coincidence the inaugural innovation summit is here at the Bay Area's Super Bowl. We're proud to be a part of it," Gilbert said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"The technology exists today, where a quarterback could have a digital Madden-style play sheet on their visor, the coaches aiming in instead of using antiquated RF radio in the helmet," Rosenthal said.
Enhancing the fan experience and bringing fans closer to the game is a big focus for the NFL.
"There's a whole new world of possibility out there. The NFL is not ready to implement, but they're paying attention. There's a future Super Bowl that looks almost like nothing today," Rosenthal said.
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