European AI Innovation Month: Flagship summits, online and in-person connection

A coordinated series of events on AI innovation in Europe will take place between 14 October and 17 November 2026. European AI Innovation Monthbrings together policymakers, industry, the public sector, and research to discuss and showcase how AI is being developed and applied across EU sectors.

This initiative, organised jointly by the European Commission and  Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council, will dedicate these four weeks to discussing and showcasing the development and deployment of AI in Europe. It will provide a coherent narrative covering political vision, research excellence, and industrial uptake.

What is European AI Innovation Month?

European AI Innovation Month is a flagship initiative that takes place each April, dedicated to spotlighting Europe’s leadership and ambition in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). 

Organized by the European Commission and supported by a wide network of stakeholders (including research institutions, tech companies, and public authorities) the month-long program aims to accelerate AI adoption and innovation across the continent. 

Through a diverse lineup of events such as conferences, pitch competitions, and collaborative workshops, the initiative fosters cross-border partnerships, encourages knowledge sharing, and promotes the development of AI solutions that are both cutting-edge and aligned with European values of transparency, ethics, and inclusivity. The event also serves as a vital platform for startups, scaleups, and SMEs to gain visibility, access funding opportunities, and connect with potential investors and customers. 

European AI Innovation Month will highlight success stories and emerging trends, celebrating not only the region’s technological achievements but also addressing the challenges of responsible AI deployment. It reinforces Europe’s commitment to shaping a digital future that prioritizes human-centric innovation, regulatory excellence, and sustainable growth, positioning the continent as a global hub for trustworthy AI.

Flagship events and opportunities for connection

The flagship events of this initiative are three summits: the International AI Summit on 14 October in Dublin, which will bring together over a thousand EU and global leaders, heads of government, CEOs, investors, innovators, and academics under the theme "Enabling AI to Power European Growth". The AI in Science Summit will take place on 15 October, focusing on the impact and potential of AI in different scientific fields. The Month will conclude with the Apply AI Summiton 17 November, in-person in Brussels and online, which marks the 1-year adoption of the Apply AI Strategy. 

Throughout the month, the Virtual Conference Platform, an immersive, fair-style virtual environment, will create a seamless experience that links the summits together and enables continuous exchanges, broadening its outreach. 

A series of partner events will take place alongside the summits, expanding the programme and the conversation it enables across Europe.  

Flagship summits

• International AI Summit14 October – Dublin, Ireland
  • Official launch of European AI innovation Month
  • EU and global leaders, Heads of Government, CEOs, investors, innovators, academics
  • High-level platform for discussion, collaboration, and strategic dialogue on the opportunities for future application of artificial intelligence in Europe and globally
• AI in Science Summit15 October
  • The AI in Science Summit will convene 
  • Scientists, industry leaders, investors, policymakers 
  • The impact of AI in scientific discovery (and how Europe can drive it with a distinctive and responsible approach)
  • High-level political sessions and thematic workshops on the impact of AI in each scientific field, focusing on investment and policy 
• Apply AI Summit17 November – Brussels and online
  • Conclusion of European AI Innovation Month
  • High-level policymakers, start-ups, industrial stakeholders  
  • How AI is strengthening Europe’s competitiveness across industries and the public sector
  • Sectoral AI applications and success stories made in Europe 
  • Innovative projects fundamentally contributing to turning Europe into an AI Continent

Join the AI Alliance and stay informed

Find more stakeholder-led events on the Apply AI Alliance calendar. You can join the Alliance to stay tuned about EU AI policy, and also share your views and events. 

Image © European Commission and European AI Innovation Month