Highlight: Sandyford Business District International Innovation Summit 2026
Turning innovation into action: Sandyford Business District International Innovation Summit 2026
Over the past two days, SBD brought together an outstanding mix of international and national leaders, investors, academics, entrepreneurs and public-sector representatives for the SBD International Innovation Summit 2026 in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
The venue was particularly significant. The Summit took place inside the building proposed for Sandyford’s Innovation Campus, giving delegates the opportunity to experience the space first-hand and see its potential. With the building in walk-in condition, the opportunity to turn this vision into reality is very tangible.
Across two days of discussions and collaborative workshops, three key themes emerged:
A clear message resonated throughout: innovation thrives when the right people connect. SBD can play a vital role in bringing multinationals, SMEs, start-ups, investors, complementary business supports and academia together to share knowledge, overcome challenges and create opportunities.
Our ambition is to build on the district’s strengths and create an ecosystem where businesses can collaborate, innovate and grow.
- Sandyford Business District Supporting businesses: exploring how SMEs can collaborate to overcome challenges and seize opportunities while also harnessing AI to boost productivity, reduce costs and improve outcomes.
- Promoting investment: examining how to attract the right investment and why mentorship, expertise and partnerships must go hand in hand with funding.
- Shaping innovation policy: bringing business, academia, government and private capital together to strengthen competitiveness across Ireland and Europe.
A huge amount of thanks goes to the following:
Adrian Weckler Keynote Speaker and Moderator on day 1
Andrew Watchorn for capturing the excitement of the event so well. Browse the photos here https://awplnk.com/h4pmg1
Alina Bandol from Sásta for the exquisite catering.
Ronan Webster and Rory O’Sullivan for the generous use of the proposed Campus venue. Brendan McLoughlin and Grace Woulfe of ShowScope.
Lianne Tobin from Lindt & Sprüngli.
Leo McBride from DigitalX Ireland Ltd.
The team at VitHit
The Summit may be over, BUT THE REAL WORK STARTS NOW! turning ideas, connections and commitments into meaningful action.
Watch this space!
