Friday, 18 September
IN-PERSON: RDI 7th AI Summit 2026
Friday, 18 September | 10:45AM – 4:20PM
AI’s Impact in the Regions
Ireland and Europe’s AI Economy: Driving Growth for SMEs, Industry and Regions
The RDI 7th AI Summit brings together leading voices from Europe, industry, government, research and finance to explore how AI can drive growth, competitiveness and innovation beyond major urban centres, while seeing some real world examples.
This year’s summit focuses on the opportunities and challenges facing regions as AI adoption accelerates. Through a series of expert keynotes, panel discussions and practical showcases, attendees will gain insights into AI policy, regulation, infrastructure, cybersecurity, investment and regional innovation.
The event is designed for business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, technology professionals and regional development stakeholders who want to understand how AI is shaping Ireland and Europe’s future economy.
Attendees will hear directly from European Commission representatives, the Central Bank of Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, leading AI infrastructure providers, cybersecurity experts and investors who are helping to shape the next generation of AI-enabled growth.
Why Attend?
Understand the latest developments in AI policy and regulation
Learn how SMEs and regions can access AI infrastructure and innovation supports
Explore AI cybersecurity and resilience challenges
Gain insights into funding, investment and scaling AI businesses
Network with leaders driving AI adoption across Europe
Connect with innovators, startups, industry and public sector stakeholders
Together for Impact. Driving productivity, investment and resilience while shaping a trusted, sovereign and inclusive AI future.
Summit Schedule
Time | Session
AI Showcases : An Example of AI in Action will take place at the end of each Session.
10:45 – 11:00 Opening Remarks – Fergal Brosnan
11:00 – 11:55 AI Growth Across Every Region
11:55 – 12:50 Innovation Informing Regulation
12:50 – 13:35 Lunch & Networking
13:35 – 14:30 Accessing Europe’s AI Infrastructure
14:30 – 15:25 Secure AI for Real-World Business
15:25 – 16:20 Financing AI Growth in Europe
16:30 Closing Remarks – Commissioner Michael McGrath
Each session will include:
Expert keynote presentation
Panel discussion
Audience Q&A
Networking opportunities between sessions
Speakers & Topics
AI Growth Across Every Region
Lead Speaker: Davide Magagna, Joint Research Centre, European Commission
Panel Contributors
Enda Hogan, Southern Regional Assembly
Andrew Thompson, BoostAI / TCNN
Brendan Cahill, SEAI
Innovation Informing Regulation
Lead Speaker: Niamh Lynn, Innovation Policy Manager, Central Bank of Ireland
Panel Contributors
Ruth McCarthy, Fexco
Michael Dowling, Narrative Banking
Accessing Europe’s AI Infrastructure
Lead Speakers:
Alessio Buscemi, LIST
Filipe Pais, LuxProvide
Panel Contributors
Barry Hanley, Broc
Secure AI for Real-World Business
Lead Speaker: Dr Hazel Murray, MTU
Panel Contributors
Michael O’Connor, Cybergen
Dr Fionbarr McLoughlin, Fexco
Financing AI Growth in Europe
Lead Speaker: Billy Hanley, Enterprise Ireland
Panel Contributors
Amy Neill, Delta Partners
Cormac Chisholm, Dev Ally
Closing Session
Europe’s AI Economy: Growth with Trust
Closing Address: Commissioner Michael McGrath
Connected Hubs is a central driver of the Irish National Hub Network, a Government of Ireland initiative aimed at establishing and strategically expanding a network of interconnected hub facilities throughout the country. Connected Hubs is a Government of Ireland initiative under Our Rural Future. Connected Hubs is managed by the Western Development Commission in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
