Lightspeed Innovation Week: Fueling Creativity and Growth
At Lightspeed, we’ve always believed that innovation is at the heart of what we do. Since 2017, Innovation Week has been one of our favorite traditions—a whole week dedicated to letting our development team cut loose, get creative, and have a little fun. This year, Lightspeed Innovation Week will be happening from August 19-23, with winners announced on August 28th.
So, what’s Innovation Week all about? It’s a chance for our developers to step away from their usual day-to-day projects and dive into something new. During this time, they’re encouraged to explore ideas and solutions that could shape the future of our products. We give them the freedom to work on projects outside the usual pipeline, allowing them to think outside the box, tackle challenges they’ve always wanted to solve, and experiment with new technologies and concepts.
But it’s not just about solo creativity—Innovation Week is a team event, too. We’ve turned it into a friendly competition where different teams within the development group compete to bring their best ideas to life. It’s less about winning and more about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, learning from each other, and building the kind of camaraderie that makes our team so strong.
One of the coolest things about Innovation Week is seeing how these creative concepts can evolve into real products. Over the years, many ideas born during this week have grown into key features in our product lineup. It’s a true testament to the talent and vision of our team that some of our most impactful features started as “just an idea” during Innovation Week.
Beyond the projects themselves, Innovation Week is a fantastic opportunity for our team members to grow their skills and explore new interests. It’s a time to work on unfamiliar challenges, expand their knowledge, and get a deeper understanding of their craft. Plus, the collaborative vibe of the week helps strengthen the bonds within the team, making Lightspeed an even better place to work.
Looking to the Future: Innovation Week 2024
As we gear up for Lightspeed Innovation Week 2024, we can’t wait to see what this year’s event will bring. Every year, our developers continue to surprise and inspire us with their creativity and ingenuity. Innovation Week is more than just a break from the routine; it’s a celebration of the passion and talent that drives our success and shapes the future of our products.
Darin Cummins
Darin Cummins has been a cornerstone of Lightspeed for nearly three decades, with his 30th anniversary approaching in March 2025. Starting in development, Darin quickly rose to the position of Development Manager, where he played a crucial role in creating the architecture for Lightspeed EVO. His expertise has been instrumental in guiding Lightspeed through significant technological transitions, including the move from client-server systems to cloud-based solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Darin is a true maker at heart, passionate about creating with his laser and 3-D printers. A lifelong car enthusiast, particularly of Mustangs, Darin's first car was a 65 Mustang coupe. He is a devoted family man, with 4 kids, a wonderful wife, 1 grandchild, and two dogs he rescued from the desert.
