University of Galway Business Summit 2026
The Business of AI
THIS EVENT HAS NOW CONCLUDED-Friday, 27 March 2026
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at University of Galway is proud to host Business Summit 2026, centred on the theme “The Business of AI.”
This University of Galway flagship event features insights from global and local business leaders as well as cutting-edge case studies from researchers at University of Galway.
It is a core part of the School’s signature event series, Thinking Beyond: Thought Leadership for the Public Good. As a School with a clear mission “for the public good,” we are committed to shaping a future-focused, responsible, and resilient society.
Last year, over 400 business and thought leaders attended. More than 70% of attendees were CEOs, owners, directors, senior managers, and decision makers.
Event Details
Now in its fourth year, the University of Galway Business Summit 2026 will highlight how local and global businesses can navigate The Business of AI with a focus on artificial intelligence for the public good, democratising opportunities, and catalysing business models.
Business leaders from national and international companies will provide examples and expertise about challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for artificial intelligence in enterprise.
This will be combined with current research insights from leading professors at University of Galway.
DATE:
Friday, 27 March 2026
TIME:
8:30am - 14:00pm (included light breakfast & lunch)
LOCATION:
Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway, H91 R6T6
Guest Speakers
John Clancy, Galvia AI
John Clancy is the co-founder and CEO of Galvia AI.
He is a board member of the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum and advises the Government of Ireland in driving industry adoption of Artificial Intelligence.
John has won numerous awards for innovation in AI and most recently won AI Person of the Year 2025 in Ireland.
Norah Casey, Investor
Broadcaster, entrepreneur and philanthropist Norah Casey was formerly a Dragon in the popular RTE One television series, Dragons’ Den and is a well-known radio and television broadcaster.
Norah’s business expertise is extensive having acquired and grown multiple businesses to multi-million euro global success stories, with a wide range of business investments in Ireland and internationally.
Event schedule
|
Time |
Session |
|---|---|
|
08.30 - 09.00 |
Registration and Networking (including light breakfast) |
|
09.00 - 09.20 |
Welcome and official opening |
|
09.20 -10.00 |
Keynote Addresses |
|
10.00 - 11.15 |
Panel discussion - International Scaling in Regulated Markets |
|
11.15 - 11.45 |
Tea/coffee break and Networking |
|
12.30 - 13:00 |
Panel discussion - Research Frontiers: Informing the Business of AI |
|
13:00 - 13:15 |
Reflection points and closing remarks |
|
13:15 - 14:00 |
Light lunch and networking |
Business Summit Video
Look back at University of Galway Business Summit 2025
"Business Summit 2026 brought together an impressive range of speakers and perspectives. It was an insightful event that left attendees with plenty of ideas and inspiration to take away."
Attendee - Business Summit 2026