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SBD International Innovation Summit October 13th & 14th
We are pleased to invite you to the Sandyford Business District International Innovation Summit 2026, taking place in Block G, Central Park Leopardstown on October 13th and 14th 2026, with half-day sessions each day.
This year’s Summit will bring together a powerful mix of local and international leaders shaping the future of innovation, including representatives from the European Association of Business Innovation Districts, national and EU government, investors, academia and key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Together, we will continue advancing the ambition of Sandyford Business District to position itself as one of Europe’s leading innovation districts.
The 2026 Summit will also feature interactive working sessions designed to ensure active participation, collaboration and practical takeaways that can be applied directly within your organisation.
Key themes include:
Theme 1: National Innovation Blueprint – Insights for Europe
Objectives:
• Deepen insights into the institutional “architecture” (infrastructures, bodies, policies, processes, etc.) that best supports economic competitiveness and innovation within a Member State
• Assess why differences exist between Member States and identify common attributes and actions that could strengthen Europe’s overall innovation performance
Theme 2: Liberating Impactful Investment
Objectives:
• Deepen the insights on what architecture (infrastructures, bodies, policies, processes, etc) best supports economic competitiveness and innovation within a Member State
• Identify what common attributes & actions could aid Europe. Seek to shape a more streamlined, differentiated, value-added investment journey for Irish businesses
• Develop a model of relevance that can be applied across other EU contexts
• Showcase of standout local start-ups to stimulate discussion
• Case studies of Irish scale-up and investment journeys, including a candid “what works / does not work” panel discussion format
Theme 3: Collaborating for Sandyford Business District
Objectives:
• Strengthening cross-SBD collaboration on non-competitive growth and efficiency support services
• Building commitment among businesses (corporates and SMEs) to drive collective progress
• Across both days, you will have the opportunity to engage directly with peers, contribute to high-level discussions, and help shape actionable outcomes that will inform future innovation strategy.
Day 1 – Tuesday, October 13th
12:00 – 17:30 A light lunch will be provided, followed by the programme and an opportunity to enjoy drinks and network with fellow attendees at the close of the session.
Day 2 – Wednesday, October 14th
09:00 – 12:30 Morning programme, followed by closing remarks and a light lunch.
Places are limited - register now for October 13th, October 14th, or both days.