News & Events

International AI Summit 2026

The International AI Summit will serve as a high-level platform for discussion, collaboration and strategic dialogue on the opportunities for future application of artificial intelligence in Europe and globally.

About the International AI Summit

As part of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, Ireland will host the International AI Summit, as the official launch of European AI Innovation Month

This flagship event will bring together EU and global leaders, heads of government, CEOs, investors, innovators and academics under the theme Harnessing AI to Revolutionise Europe’s Competitiveness.

The International AI Summit will feature a full day of high-level engagement and discussion. Ministerial addresses and keynote speeches from global leaders will set the strategic context for Europe’s AI future, examining the policy, economic and technological forces shaping the next phase of innovation. The keynotes will be complemented by panel discussions and fireside chats bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and academic experts to explore critical themes including competitiveness, trustworthy AI, digital infrastructure, investment, skills and talent development.

In addition to these strategic discussions, the summit will include a series of European-focused sector deep dives that examine the AI opportunities ahead across key areas of the economy and society. The summit will highlight practical examples of AI adoption and collaboration, illustrating how businesses, public services and research institutions are deploying AI solutions to improve productivity, deliver new services and address complex societal challenges.

Ireland offers a uniquely strong platform for this international gathering. Sixteen of the world’s top twenty global technology companies and eight of the leading providers of foundational AI models have their main EU establishment in Ireland. The government’s updated National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, places artificial intelligence and digital transformation at the heart of the country’s economic and innovation policy, reinforcing Ireland’s ambition to be a global hub for technology and data-driven enterprise.

Programme

A full programme will be announced shortly.

Speakers

The International AI Summit will bring together a high-level line-up of speakers spanning business, politics and AI thought leadership. Confirmed speakers include C-suite executives from leading EU and international companies across key sectors, government Ministers, EU Commissioners, and prominent AI experts. We are pleased to confirm that one keynote speaker will be EU Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen.

Listed speakers to accompany our keynote speaker, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, will be announced shortly.

Registration

Details on registration will be issued shortly. 

Expressions of Interest

An Expression of Interest will open in the coming weeks for enterprises interested in participating in the Innovation Spotlight Exhibition.

 
General queries: AISummit@enterprise.gov.ie

Related press releaseHarnessing AI: Ireland turns ideas into action for EU Innovation Month