Ireland’s International AI Summit 2026 will feature one of the world’s most influential artificial intelligence leaders. Sir Demis Hassabis, chairman and co-founder of Google DeepMind, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the Dublin event on 14 October.
The announcement, made by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, comes as Ireland prepares to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The AI Summit Ireland programme will bring together policymakers, researchers, investors, technology companies and businesses to discuss Europe’s role in the next phase of responsible AI development.
AI Summit Ireland to welcome Google DeepMind leader
Sir Demis Hassabis is also chief scientist of Alphabet and chief executive officer and co-founder of Isomorphic Labs. His participation adds significant international expertise to an event focused on competitiveness, innovation and the practical adoption of artificial intelligence.
Google DeepMind has contributed to advances in scientific discovery, healthcare, biology, advanced AI systems and AI safety. Its research has helped shape global conversations about how artificial intelligence can deliver economic and societal benefits while being developed responsibly.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said Hassabis’s participation reflected the importance of the summit as a platform for shaping Europe’s response to a transformative technology.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth said the event would support discussion on building trust in AI, encouraging responsible adoption and helping Europe compete in the global AI economy.
Key themes for Ireland’s International AI Summit
The summit will examine several major priorities for Europe’s technology ecosystem, including:
- Applied AI and sectoral value creation
- Infrastructure and the development of Europe’s AI capacity
- The economic and societal opportunities created by artificial intelligence
- Responsible innovation, AI safety and public trust
The event will also officially launch European AI Innovation Month, a Europe-wide programme led in partnership with the European Commission. The programme will run from Dublin on 14 October to Brussels on 17 November 2026, with a focus on research excellence, investment, innovation and industrial adoption.
Innovation Spotlight Exhibition at the RDS
An Innovation Spotlight Exhibition will run alongside the summit at the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin. More than 50 exhibitors from Ireland and Europe are expected to present AI technologies, practical solutions and real-world applications to business leaders, investors, policymakers and international delegates.
The exhibition is intended to show how AI is being applied beyond research laboratories, including across business, public services and key economic sectors. Further speakers, session information and the final agenda are expected to be announced before the event.
Read more: Irish government and enterprise news
Why the summit matters for Ireland and Europe
Ireland has a strong position in Europe’s technology and innovation landscape, with agencies such as IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland supporting international investment and home-grown companies. The summit offers an opportunity to connect that ecosystem with European policy discussions on infrastructure, skills, research and industrial competitiveness.
It also highlights the need for cooperation among government departments, universities, technology firms and regulators. As AI adoption expands, organisations will need to consider safety, data protection, workforce skills and the impact of emerging systems on public services and society.
Explore more: Ireland’s technology and public-sector landscape
Frequently asked questions
When is the International AI Summit 2026?
The summit will take place on 14 October 2026.
Where will the AI Summit Ireland event be held?
It will be held at the Royal Dublin Society, or RDS, in Dublin.
Who is the keynote speaker?
Sir Demis Hassabis, chairman and co-founder of Google DeepMind, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker.
What is European AI Innovation Month?
It is a Europe-wide programme focused on AI innovation, research, investment and industrial adoption, running from Dublin to Brussels between 14 October and 17 November 2026.
Key takeaway: The confirmation of Sir Demis Hassabis puts Ireland’s International AI Summit at the centre of Europe’s conversation about responsible innovation, competitiveness and the future of artificial intelligence.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
