Which activities are typically included in the IP Sprint?

• A. Innovation, planning, and time for backlog refinement and final release validation
• B. Daily standups and code reviews
• C. System architecture only
• D. Customer onboarding

Answer: (A)

The IP Sprint, short for Innovation and Planning, is the timebox at the end of a Program Increment that combines exploratory work with preparation for the next PI and necessary cleanup activities. It focuses on freeing up space for innovative ideas and planning, while also allowing teams to refine the backlog and validate release readiness. This blend ensures that the solution can be demonstrated, aligned with stakeholders, and ready for the next cycle. Daily standups and code reviews happen in regular sprints, not as a defining feature of the IP Sprint; system architecture on its own is too narrow, and customer onboarding isn’t what the IP Sprint is designed to accomplish.