Limerick will host a major international gathering of technology, investment and innovation leaders from 19 to 21 October, as participants from more than 15 countries come to the city for the inaugural Futura Innovation Conference, with a significant US-Ireland programme aimed at building new business, investment and innovation links between Limerick and the United States.
The three-day conference will take place across venues throughout Limerick City Centre, with international leaders discussing some of the most immediate economic and technology issues facing Ireland and the US, including artificial intelligence, the future of work, energy and digital infrastructure, investment, life sciences, aerospace and the commercial space economy.
A dedicated delegation from Maryland will travel to Limerick for the conference, with Maryland House established in the city as a focal point for meetings between Irish and US companies, entrepreneurs, investors and economic development organisations.
The programme forms part of a wider international dimension to Futura, designed to use the conference to build relationships capable of continuing beyond the three-day event.
The US-Ireland focus will sit alongside a wider international programme involving leaders from business, technology, research, investment and government.
Among the headline speakers are:
- Matthew Duncan, Microsoft’s Head of Future of Work & AI Thought Leadership, who will address how the rapid development of autonomous AI agents is changing the way organisations operate and how people and AI will work together.
- David Yakobovitch, General Partner at DataPower Capital, who will contribute to discussions on the capital and infrastructure underpinning the global AI build-out and the opportunities available to countries such as Ireland as demand for compute and energy accelerates.
- Stephan Reckie, Executive Director of GEN Space, who will speak on the growing links between space technology and communications, cybersecurity, manufacturing, energy and financial services.
Other speakers include Mary McKenna MBE, Chair of AwakenAngels Syndicate; Dane Stangler of the Global Entrepreneurship Network; Dr Rachel Carey, Chief Scientist at Zinc Innovation Partners; Martin Ward, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Imperial College London’s Enterprise Lab; Robert Caldwell, Senior Technologist for AI, Digitalisation and Operational Excellence at Enterprise Ireland; and Mayor of Limerick John Moran.
The conference is designed around Limerick itself rather than a single convention venue, with delegates moving between locations throughout the city for keynotes, industry discussions, workshops, investor meetings and networking events.
Chris Valentine, Founder and CEO of Futura Innovation Conference, said:
“Limerick is central to the experience we are creating. We want people to experience the city, meet the organisations and people driving innovation here, and build relationships that continue long after the conference ends to strengthen the ties between Limerick and the wider US market.”
Brendan Troy, Head of Economic and Tourism Development, Limerick City and County Council, said:
“Futura reflects Limerick’s ambition to be a leading destination for innovation, investment and business tourism. With its compact, connected and walkable city centre, Limerick offers an ideal conference experience while providing easy access to accommodation, hospitality, culture and a vibrant night-time economy. We are proud to support this inaugural event and welcome the opportunity to showcase Limerick as a city of innovation, creativity and collaboration.”
The business programme will be complemented by cultural and social events throughout the three days, including Irish music and dance and an opening ceremony welcoming international delegates to the city.
Futura is also creating access for the next generation of Irish technology and engineering talent, with H&MV Engineering supporting student participation in the conference, enabling university students to attend sessions and engage directly with employers, founders and industry leaders.
International start-up competition
The conference will conclude on 21 October with the Futura Start-Up Pitch Event, where selected early-stage companies will present to an audience of investors, industry leaders and decision-makers.
The international programme will bring together 18 finalists from Ireland and around the world, including companies from Belgium, Germany, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France and the United States. Finalists will have access to the wider conference, coaching and opportunities to meet investors, industry leaders and members of the international innovation community.
Futura Innovation Conference takes place from 19 to 21 October 2026 across Limerick City Centre.
Programme information and registration are available at www.futuraevent.com.