The Innovation Summit will return in 2026

Friday, October 9 ^{an tríú haonad} 2026

Óstán Clayton Silver Springs - Corcaigh

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Join us for Innovation Summit 2026 hosted by Skillnet Innovation Exchange

Ag tógáil ar rath na bliana seo caite, The Innovation Summit 2026 brings together business leaders, innovators, investors and ecosystem partners to explore how organisations are improving competitiveness, embracing AI, accelerating digital transformation and driving sustainable growth.

Through expert speakers, practical case studies and high-value networking, the summit will showcase how ambitious organisations are turning ideas into action—and action into measurable impact.

Whether you’re leading transformation within your organisation or developing the technologies driving business performance, The Innovation Summit is where Ireland’s innovation ecosystem comes together to connect, collaborate and create opportunity.

Why Attend

Innovation & Collaboration Showcasing transformative ideas that will connect solutions providers and decision-makers ready to implement change

Expert Insights & Knowledge Sharing Thought-provoking talks and panel discussions delivering actionable strategies for business success

High-Value Networking Curated opportunities to foster meaningful connections and spark collaborations

Agenda Snapshot

Registration, Coffee & Networking

Welcome

The New Rules of Competitiveness: The trends and technologies defining business success today A look at the forces reshaping the competitive landscape for business. From technology and AI to changing customer expectations, economic pressures and new ways of working, this session will identify the shifts that matter most and what organisations are doing to stay ahead.

AI Beyond the Hype - How AI is reshaping productivity, performance and competitive advantage AI has moved to being a strategic business priority. This keynote will cut through the noise to explore where AI is creating real value, how leading organisations are approaching adoption and what business leaders should be doing now to turn the potential of AI into improved productivity, performance and competitive advantage.

AI in Action - Real customers. Real solutions. Real impact. Moving from the big picture to practical application, this session will showcase real examples of AI being deployed to solve business challenges. Through customer and solution-provider stories, we’ll explore the potential, implementation and impact.

Innovation that Delivers: How businesses are using technology and collaboration to improve performance and scale Innovation doesn't have to mean developing everything in-house. This panel will explore how businesses are identifying challenges, embracing digital technologies and collaborating with external innovators to deliver better outcomes — from improving operations and customer experience to unlocking growth and new opportunities.

Opportunity Spotlight: The emerging challenges in global sport creating opportunities for innovators The inside track on an emerging global sports sector challenge in the lead-up to LA28 — and an opportunity for ambitious innovators to respond to a global opportunity.

Coffee & Networking

The Human Advantage: Why mindset, adaptability and human potential will matter more than everAs technology transforms how we work and compete, the human qualities that drive performance become even more important. A fresh perspective on ambition, adaptability and high performance — and why the future of competitive advantage will still be fundamentally human.

Investment Round: Backing Ireland's next generation of ambitious businesses Access to the right funding at the right stage can determine how quickly an ambitious business can grow. This panel will explore the funding landscape for Irish companies, what investors and funders are looking for and how businesses can position themselves to access the capital and support they need to scale.

From Entry to Exit: The challenges and lessons of scaling a successful business A candid founder conversation about the highs, lows and pivots involved in building a successful business — from winning customers and building teams to raising capital and breaking into new markets.

Around the Corner - The technologies, trends and opportunities shaping the future of business We take a look beyond today's priorities at what is coming next. This keynote will explore the emerging technologies and trends likely to reshape industries, business models and customer expectations — and challenge leaders to think about what they should be preparing for.

Winning in 2030 - What will separate tomorrow's winners from the rest?The Summit closes by looking further ahead: what will distinguish the organisations that thrive in 2030? Bringing together different perspectives from business, technology and innovation, the panel will explore the capabilities leaders need to build now to compete successfully in a world of constant change.

Closing Remarks

Lunch & Networking

We were also proud to announce the launch of our 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 initiative, which follows the proven Innovation Exchange model — connecting corporates with innovative digital solution providers to address real business challenges. This new initiative will support companies in meeting growing ESG data and reporting requirements, making sustainability reporting faster, smarter, and more cost-effective.

“Don’t be afraid to innovate and try, because it’s only through innovation that we’re going to stay competitive.”

We were delighted to interview Gearáinteach Éireannach CEO, Brid O’Connell at the Innovation Summit, where we discussed our Digital for Growth partnership. Gearáinteach Éireannach represents over 2,000 Irish businesses, bringing a strong national network and a clear commitment to sustainable and responsible business growth.

2026 Speakers & Panellists

We’ll be revealing more speakers over the coming days.

2025 Innovation Summit Highlights

When we set out to design this event, our goal was to bring together 200 innovators and business leaders committed to realising Ireland’s economic potential through collaborative innovation — and to explore the key drivers of business success today: digital transformation, 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁, and 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

The 2025 Innovation Summit delivered on that ambition. The insights, discussions, and connections shared by our 26 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, and 𝗸𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 have been invaluable in shaping a shared vision for Ireland’s 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺.

A key highlight of the day was the launch of the 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, reflecting the tangible progress achieved since inception:

€𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 in deal revenue generated for SMEs.
𝟯𝟬+ 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 signed between corporates and scaling companies.
𝟳𝟬+ 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱, streamlining how corporates source solutions.
𝟲,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱, with a strong focus on commercial capability.
𝟱𝟬+ 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 delivered annually.
𝗔 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 ensuring accessibility and reach.