Dublin International AI Summit to spotlight Europe’s AI ambitions
Henna Virkkunen is confirmed as a keynote speaker at the International AI Summit in Dublin.
Ireland will host the International AI Summit in Dublin on 14 October 2026 as the official launch of European AI Innovation Month during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The summit will take place at the Royal Dublin Society under the theme ‘Harnessing AI to Revolutionise Europe’s Competitiveness’. It is intended as a high-level platform for discussion, collaboration, and strategic dialogue on AI opportunities in Europe and globally.
The event will bring together EU and global leaders, heads of government, CEOs, investors, innovators, academics, policymakers, industry representatives, and AI experts. Confirmed speakers include European Commission Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen.
The programme will include ministerial addresses, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and fireside chats on Europe’s AI future. Topics will include competitiveness, trustworthy AI, digital infrastructure, investment, skills, and talent development.
The summit will also feature European-focused sector discussions on AI opportunities across the economy and society. Sessions are expected to highlight examples of AI adoption and collaboration by businesses, public services, and research institutions.
Ireland said the event builds on its role as a European technology hub, noting that 16 of the world’s top 20 global technology companies and eight leading providers of foundational AI models have their main EU establishment in the country.
The summit is also linked to Ireland’s updated National Digital and AI Strategy, ‘Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future’, which places AI and digital transformation at the centre of economic and innovation policy.
A full programme, additional speakers, registration details, and an expression of interest for enterprises seeking to join the Innovation Spotlight Exhibition will be announced later.
Why does it matter?
The summit gives Ireland a platform to shape Europe’s AI competitiveness debate during its EU Council Presidency. Its focus on trustworthy AI, infrastructure, investment, skills, and sectoral adoption reflects the EU’s broader challenge: turning regulatory leadership and research capacity into stronger deployment, productivity, and industrial competitiveness.
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