The Innovation Summit is a gathering of 200 innovators and business leaders committed to realising economic success, potential and ambition through collaborative innovation. Together we will explore the critical factors driving success in today’s fast-evolving landscape: digital transformation, sustainability, talent and leadership.
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
Winning Mindset: Embracing Disruption
Why disruption is no longer a threat but a necessary mindset shift — and how innovative companies are turning it into their biggest advantage
A Big Deal: An Innovation Marketplace in Action
With 30+ contracts already signed through Skillnet Innovation Exchange, this segment reveals what it really takes to get deals done!
High Stakes: The Sustainability Advantage
Sustainability is good for business. Hear how businesses are turning a big challenge into an even bigger opportunity
Game Changer: Innovation Transforming Sport
From the boardroom to the playing field, technology is rewriting the rules of competition. We’ll explore how innovation is delivering game-winning results
Levelling Up: An Island of Opportunity
From regulation and funding to networks, upskilling and support — we highlight the ecosystem enabling businesses of all sizes to seize opportunities and tackle challenges head-on
Leading the Charge: What it takes
What defines a brilliant business leader today? Explore the role of emerging technologies, lifelong learning and upskilling in shaping tomorrow’s leadership
9.35
Welcome from Minister/CC
9.45
Leading Boldly: Transformative Leadership in an innovative world
Fireside chat – Stuart Lancaster
10.05
Panel
Mark Jordan, Alan ESI, Benny Cullen, Bernard Brogan
10.25
Financing Growth: Strategies for scaling success
Bobby Healy, Adrian Weckler or similar
10.45
The Exit Journey: what every Founder should know
Panel Adie and crew
11.05
Coffee break
11.30
Green Innovation: Solving the climate crisis with tech
Keynote 3
11.40
Spotlight – Imagining the future Innovation
Norah Patten, Lorna Ross
11.45
Panel
12.05
Innovation Exchange in action
Corporate and SME panel
12.30
Going Global: Funding innovation at scale
Panel include EI and US/UK (Carol Gibbons, Jenny Melia)
12.50
AI-driven transformation: Creating competitive advantage
Kammill, Patricia Scanlon, Rob O’Shaughnessy
13.00
IRDG and others in conversation
13.20
Closing remarks
13.30
Lunch and networking
14.30
Close
8.30 to 9.30
Coffee & Networking
9.30 to 9.40
Impact through Innovation
Turning ideas into impact, how leaders can harness innovation to deliver results that matter.
Opening: Conor Carmody, Skillnet Innovation Exchange
Opening: Conor Carmody, Skillnet Innovation Exchange
9.40 to 9.55
Embracing Disruption
Disruption is no longer a threat but an inevitability - and companies that innovate are turning
this to their advantage.
Keynote: Dr. Lorna Ross, ATU Donegal
Keynote: Dr. Lorna Ross, ATU Donegal
9.55 to 10.35
Leading the Charge: What It TakesWhat defines a brilliant business leader today? Explore the role of emerging technologies,
lifelong learning and upskilling in shaping tomorrow’s leadership.
Keynote: Anne O’Connor, VHI
Panel: Ken Finnegan, Skillnet Ireland | Anne O’Connor, VHI | Brid O’Connell, Guaranteed Irish | Sue Gannon, Platform94
Keynote: Anne O’Connor, VHI
Panel: Ken Finnegan, Skillnet Ireland | Anne O’Connor, VHI | Brid O’Connell, Guaranteed Irish | Sue Gannon, Platform94
10.35 to 10.45
Innovation Shaping OpportunitiesInnovation isn’t just about business growth; it’s about creating a better future. Breakthrough ideas
are tackling big societal challenges while driving competitiveness and prosperity.
Keynote: Tomás Ó’Síocháin, Údarás na Gaeltachta
Keynote: Tomás Ó’Síocháin, Údarás na Gaeltachta
10.45 to 11.05
The Invisible Investor - The real venture capitalist behind modern technologies
Many of today’s transformative technologies—from AI to biotech—were seeded not in boardrooms,
but in publicly funded labs. Is it time to shine a light on the 'invisible investor'?
Stephen O’Driscoll, Research Ireland
Spotlight: AI2Peat | AmbiCART, National Challenge Fund participants
Stephen O’Driscoll, Research Ireland
Spotlight: AI2Peat | AmbiCART, National Challenge Fund participants
11.05 to 11.25
Stay & Scale: The Best Place to Build BusinessesAn inspiring changemaker explores how Ireland can step up and compete with the big global
innovation hubs.
Interview: Dermot Mee, Fourier
Interview: Dermot Mee, Fourier
11.25 to 11.55
Coffee break
11.55 to 12.20
Unlocking an Island of OpportunityFrom first steps to global scaling, Ireland’s ecosystem gives businesses the chance to seize
opportunities, overcome challenges and tap into vital supports when they’re needed most
Panel: Martin Murray, Furthr | Michelle Billham, Intertrade Ireland |
Ultan Ó Fatharta, Udarás na Gaeltachta | Orlaith O’Brien, OBH | Declan Quinn, Ascentifi
Panel: Martin Murray, Furthr | Michelle Billham, Intertrade Ireland |
Ultan Ó Fatharta, Udarás na Gaeltachta | Orlaith O’Brien, OBH | Declan Quinn, Ascentifi
12.20 to 12.40
Inside the Exit
Behind every exit is a story of challenges, setbacks and breakthroughs. Hear directly from
entrepreneurs who scaled, sold and are ready to share their hard-won lessons.
Panel: Marie Donnellan in conversation with Adrian McGennis, Donal Gallagher and David Barrett
Panel: Marie Donnellan in conversation with Adrian McGennis, Donal Gallagher and David Barrett
12.40 to 12.50
Data: The Sustainability Advantage
Digital for Sustainability, the new initiative from The Innovation Exchange, tackles the growing
challenge of sustainability data management. As supply chains, procurement processes and
regulations demand greater ESG reporting, businesses of all sizes face rising pressure – and
opportunity – to act.
Keynote: Ciara Greaney, White Spire
Keynote: Ciara Greaney, White Spire
12.50 to 13.05
AI Gold Rush or Bubble? The Trillion-Dollar Question
The arrival of AI is driving huge transformation, but current AI capabilities often fall short of the
promise. Is AI entering the ‘trough of disillusionment’ as inflated expectations meet reality?
Panel: Mary Rogers, Portershed | Laughlin Rigby, Core Media | John Clancy, Galvia | Niamh Muldoon
Panel: Mary Rogers, Portershed | Laughlin Rigby, Core Media | John Clancy, Galvia | Niamh Muldoon
13.05 to 13.25
Game Changer: Innovation Transforming SportFrom the boardroom to the field, technology is redefining performance. Discover how innovation drives
winning results — and what business can learn from sport’s relentless pursuit of success.
Fireside chat: Darren Frehill | Joe Canning | Benny Cullen, Sport Ireland
Fireside chat: Darren Frehill | Joe Canning | Benny Cullen, Sport Ireland
13.25 to 13.45
Around the Bend: What’s Next for BusinessTechnology continues to reshape how businesses operate, collaborate and scale. As the pace of
change accelerates, what do business leaders need to do to stay ahead of the curve?
Keynote: Sue Gannon
Keynote: Sue Gannon
13.45
Close
Lunch and networking
Meet the Speakers & Panellists
Dr Lorna Ross
VHI Healthcare
Dermot Mee
Fourier Earth
Ultan Ó Fatharta
Udarás na Gaeltachta
Michelle Billham
InterTrade Ireland
Declan Quinn
Ascentifi
Ciara Greaney
White Spire
Marie Donnellan
Platform94
Donal Gallagher
Quaternion
David Barrett
Welliba
Benny Cullen
Sport Ireland
Anne O'Connor
Vhi Health & Wellbeing
Ken Finnegan
Skillnet Ireland
Sue Gannon
Platform 94
Brid O'Connell
Guaranteed Irish
Tomás Ó Síocháin
Udarás na Gaeltachta
Stephen O'Driscoll
Research Ireland
John Clancy
Galvia
Laughlin Rigby
Core Optimisation
Mary Rodgers
Porter Shed
Darren Frehill
RTE
Resource Centre
Radisson RED Galway – Contact information
Address: Crown Square, Joyce’s Road, Galway, H91 H5PX
Parking: Free Parking Available on Site
Need to book a room?
Call: (091) 379 100
Email: reservations.galway@radissonred.com
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