Contact Us
info@ivi.ie
+353 1 708 6931
This year marks IVI’s 20th anniversary – and we are inviting you to join the celebrations, in our biggest Summit yet.
The IVI Summit for 2026 will bring together over 50 expert speakers and high profile collaborators over a three-day programme filled with opportunities to discover emerging research and connect with leaders from academia, technology, finance, business and the public sector. With over 200 further attendees expected, expect a wealth of networking opportunities and chances to learn, discuss and collaborate.
The IVI Summit runs on a not-for-profit basis. This means that all our speakers are scheduled because of their work and relevance to our key topics – not because they have paid for a slot. We can guarantee a Summit bringing together innovative contributions, academic rigour and debate representing a variety of voices from across key fields.
Cutting-edge topics in digital transformation, data governance and management, and using data to drive innovation. Sessions confirmed so far cover topics including
“I was privileged to speak at the IVI Summit in Maynooth and found it to be a truly exceptional gathering of minds. The forum brought together senior leadership from industry, government and academia in a way that is genuinely rare – and it immediately translated into meaningful conversation around how data, digital transformation and innovation intersect.
From my perspective, the Summit offered more than inspiration: it provided concrete insights into the governance, strategy and operational implications of emerging technologies. The workshops and breakout sessions enabled real-world exchange of experience and best practice, from shaping data-driven models to building organizational readiness.
The event’s atmosphere was both rigorous and open. The calibre of speakers and panels, and the diversity of perspectives represented, made it one of the most valuable conferences I have attended. I recommend the IVI Summit to any senior leader looking to advance their organization’s digital readiness, governance maturity, and innovation agenda.”
– Tim Calahan, Chief Technology Officer, Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan)
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8:30 am
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Registration
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9:00 am
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Welcome Address
Followed by Director's opening remarks
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9:40 am
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Roundtable debate
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With this panel discussion we look at five distinct European regions that are critical to the continent’s digital future and ask what is possible beyond 2030, in the context of sustainability and how we safeguard our (digital) society. |
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10:30 am
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Break and poster display
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11:00 am
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Masterclass: Artifical Intelligence in the Public Sector
with Prof. Jörn von Lucke
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This two-part Masterclass will investigate the scope and scale of artificial intelligence usage in government and the public sector, giving attendees the skills and knowledge to use AI effectively and to tackle the key challenges it poses, and can solve. Prior registration is required and attendance is limited. |
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11:00 am
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International Research Symposium
The Research Symposium allows PhD students, academics, and professionals from across industries to present original research that combines theoretical rigour with practical relevance.
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11:00 am
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Parallel co-creation workshops (I)
The first of our creative sessions. Co-creation workshops allow discussion about cutting-edge and lead to tangible outcomes such as continuing working groups or an output.
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1:00 pm
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Lunch
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2:00 pm
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Masterclass: Artifical Intelligence in the Public Sector (II)
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The afternoon session of this Masterclass follows the first. Registrants should attend both sessions. |
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2:00 pm
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International Research Symposium (afternoon session)
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The Call for Abstracts for the International Research Symposium is available here. |
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2:00 pm
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Parallel co-creation workshops (II)
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4:00 pm
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Launching the next phase of IVI
Reflecting on 20 years of innovative research to ask, what's next?
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5:00 pm
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Wine and canapé reception
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6:30 pm
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Digital Futures Forum & Leadership Dinner @Barberstown Castle
Invite-only
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9:00 am
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Directorial welcome address
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9:15 am
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University welcome address
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9:45 am
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Opening address and launch
from distinguished guest
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10:15 am
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Keynote addresses
Three keynote talks from international experts
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11:15 am
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Q&A session
Following keynote addresses
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11:30 am
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Tea & coffee break / Poster display session
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12:00 pm
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Strategic Panel Discussion
Streamlining Governance in the Age of AI
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In this high-profile panel discussion experts will share how they streamline regulations on new initiatives in their organisations and how they foster innovation. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities of governance, particularly in relation to AI, in this rapidly evolving digital era. |
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1:00 pm
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Lunch
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2:00 pm
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Deep dive parallel sessions
A choice of two parallel in-depth sessions
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Session 1: Shaping Technology Trends in today’s Digital World Bringing together experts from various – very different – areas of cutting-edge technology, we will discuss the tech frontiers we are currently facing and what the future might look like – as well as see some of these new technologies up close! Session 2: Ethical AI Usage This session will focus on how we can use AI both effectively and ethically – details to follow soon. |
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4:00 pm
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Tea & coffee break
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4:30 pm
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International panel discussion
Shaping a Sustainable International Research Landscape
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In this high-profile panel discussion, we will hear from experts from industry, academia and policy who are focused on shaping international research, how they aim to establish strategic collaboration with universities, and interdisciplinary frameworks to address the global challenges. Speakers represent a range of continents (Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas) and will bring different contexts to bear on this international, multi-perspective discussion. |
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5:10 pm
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Takeaways: Key summaries
Reflecting on the days' learnings
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6:30 pm
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Summit Gala Dinner
Glenroyal Hotel (optional)
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9:00 am
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Breakfast and welcome
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Held in Maynooth University’s historic Pugin Hall in South Campus, St Patrick’s College |
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9:30 am
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Meet the Experts
A chance to discuss shared interests with IVI's expert researchers and practitioners.
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10:00 am
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Annual Student Innovation Challenge - Award Presentation Ceremony
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See here for more information on the Student Innovation Challenge, open to students from Maynooth University (Ireland), Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (Ukraine), Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (Ukraine), Deggendorf Institute of Technology (Germany) and Aga Khan University (Kenya). This year’s theme is “Digital Footprints: Challenges, Risks in Everyday Digital Activities.” |
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10:30 am
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Hidden History tour
Discover some of the historic sites and hidden treasures of Maynooth's campus. Followed by photo opportunities
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11:45 am
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Travel to local historic site
Our day continues at the Irish National Stud
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12:30 pm
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Tour of the National Stud
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Visit the Irish National Stud and Gardens site to learn more |
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1:15 pm
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Networking lunch and final panel presentations
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Featuring expert speakers, our plenary session will reflect on the themes and discussion across the Summit to ask, “Where are we now?” |
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3:00 pm
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Transport - return to Maynooth
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Auxiliary events
The IVI Summit will host a series of auxiliary events alongside our central Summit programme. These events allow for more flexibility and creativity in structure or for smaller-group collaborative sessions. Events might include workshops, training sessions or discussion of key topics. If you would like to propose an auxiliary event as part of the Summit, please get in touch via info@ivi.ie.
International Research Symposium
Our International Research Symposium takes place on Wednesday 10th June and offers PhD and early career researchers the chance to contribute papers on their latest, innovative work. Full details of how to apply to present your research are available here.
Student Innovation Challenge
Our annual Student Innovation Challenge allows undergraduate students from international institutions to show their skills and inventiveness in response to defined challenges around AI, machine learning and similar innovative fields. This year’s theme is “Digital Footprints: Challenges, Risks in Everyday Digital Activities.” Once again, participating institutions are Maynooth University (Ireland), Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (Ukraine), Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (Ukraine), and Deggendorf Institute of Technology (Germany). See here for full details of how to enter.
Speakers panel at IVI Summit 2024
Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth
Guests should call +353 (0) 1 629 0909 or email reservations@glenroyal.ie and quote code GA002090 to avail of a discounted rate for IVI Summit attendees.
St Patrick’s College accommodation
Accommodation is also available in Maynooth’s ‘old campus’ at St Patrick’s College. Please visit https://sppu.ie/rooms for details.
Details of specific packages for Summit attendees will be confirmed in due course.
We invite international visitors to the IVI Summit 2026 to contact us to discuss documents necessary for your visit or any other queries.
Please contact info@ivi.ie with any questions you have.
Early bird ticket discounts are available until the end of February 2026, so reserve your space now!
Exclusive tickets are available for IVI members and PhD/early career researchers. Please contact us for details.
Register for the IVI Summit 2026IV’s 2024 Summit was held 10th-12th June at Maynooth University with the theme of ‘Digital- Unleashing the Power of Data and Services’.
As well as the launch of the Data Governance Roadmap for Ireland with University President Professor Eeva Leinonen and Seán Fleming TD, the Summit’s key speakers included Jeevantika Linaglwar (Founder, International Women in Tech / Partner Solution Architect, Microsoft); John Ghent (CEO, Privacy Engine); Zoe Ryan (presenter and broadcaster, RTÉ); and more.
As well as a packed schedule of talks and workshops, on Day 1 (10th June) the Summit included a social event in the Russell Library in Maynooth University followed by a visit to Dublin including EPIC, the Irish Museum of Emigration, and the Dublin Guinness Storehouse.
On Tuesday June 11th, the Summit hosted six co-creation workshops on a range of topics, including
To provide an international overview and discussion of digital transformation and strategic directions in specific areas, the workshops were interactive and thanks to the chairs and panelists from each workshop as attendees gained key takeaways from each and follow up discussions.
Speakers panel at IVI Summit 2024
IVI launched a pioneering initiative, the ‘Data Governance Roadmap for Ireland’, on 12th June with Seán Fleming TD, Minister of State Department of Foreign Affairs (International Development and Diaspora) and TD for Laois/Offaly.
As one of the leading forums for data and digital discussion, the summit brought together international experts, policy leaders, practitioners and researchers over three days to shape the digital agenda on innovation and research.
Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University, highlighted the power of collaboration and Professor Markus Helfert, Director of the IVI, emphasised the significance of the initiative. This roadmap aims to foster responsible governance of data and artificial intelligence, leveraging data value as the basis of a sustainable information-enabled and data-informed society.
Aligned with EU Digital Decade policy targets and several other critical EU initiatives such as the Data Governance Act, Data Act and AI Act the initiative aims to bridge skills gaps and develop new competencies to tackle growing challenges across various sectors, including sustainability, security, and education.
The roadmap reflects Ireland’s commitment to maintaining leadership in information, data and digital innovation, setting highest standards for governance, promoting transparency, and ensuring equitable distribution of digital benefits that digital and data creates. It sets new benchmarks for success aligned to Ireland’s ambition to lead and set standards in Europe, inspiring other nations to follow suit.
Seán Fleming TD, Minister of State Department of Foreign Affairs
Key presentations were delivered by Dr. Mihai Bilauca (Chief Information Officer, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage), Jeevantika Lingalwar (Founder, International Women in Tech / Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft), and Anne Joséphine Flanagan (Vice President, Artificial Intelligence at the Future of Privacy Forum).
Morning panelists included Dr. Kevin Walsh (Head of SFI Research Centre), Robert Gunning (Senior Data Scientist, Intel Corporation), Josef Treml (Austrian Trade Commissioner for Ireland, Advantage Austria) and Lorraine McNerney (Head of Data Governance, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer), discussing ‘Digital Futures – Shaping a sustainable society through digital transformation’.
The afternoon saw three parallel deep dive sessions:
These workshops provided more interactive sessions for attendees along with insights into the topics above which has opened up pathways for further discussion with attendees.
Jeevantika Lingalwar (Founder, International Women in Tech / Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft)
The afternoon also saw very insightful presentations from Claire Dunleavy (Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kildare), Zoe Ryan (Streaming Coordinator, RTE Sports) and John Ghent (Co-founder and CEO of PrivacyEngine).
Talks were followed by the panel ‘Rethinking AI – What do they say in 10 years?’ moderated by Joan Mulvihill (Digitalisation Lead, Siemens Ireland) with panelists Mark Little (CEO and Co-founder, Kinzen), Stephen Redmond (Director & Head of Data Analytics and AI, BearingPoint Ireland) and Michael Beary (Chair, Governing Authority, University College Dublin).
In the evening we were honoured to welcomed Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland to the award ceremony to present awards to the winning teams who participated in the Ukraine and Ireland Student Innovation Challenge, ‘Careers in the Digital Age with impact to Society.’ Winning teams came from the three universities Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, and Maynooth University. Well done to the winning teams and to all involved, and thanks to our sponsors Unum.
The event closed with the IVI Recognition Awards, where Prof. Markus Helfert presented awards to a number of very valued contributors to IVI over the year.
The 2026 IVI Summit celebrating our 20th year promises to be our biggest yet. With Early Bird prices available until February, now is the time to register and ensure you can take part in collaborating, learning and networking with leaders from across digital, research, government, business and more.
Register for the IVI Summit 2026The IVI Summit 2025 explored what 2030 will look like through cutting-edge insights and visionary discussions that bridge research and industry.
The event brought together over 50 expert speakers, another 50 high profile collaborators, and nearly 300 attendees, into a dynamic three-day programme filled with opportunities to discover emerging research and connect with leaders from academia, industry, and public sector.
Engaging keynote addresses, practical co-creation workshops, enlightening panel discussions, tailored deep-dive breakout sessions and networking opportunities are just some of the elements the event offered.
We covered topics such as ‘AI’s Impact on Business & Digital Transformation’, ‘Emerging Data Strategies & AI Governance’, ‘The Future of Hybrid & Cloud Technologies’, ‘Innovation in Research & Academic Fields’, and ‘Policy, Regulation & Industry Standards’.
The 2025 IVI Summit, and our 20th Anniversary Summit in 2026, is where forward-thinkers, industry pioneers, and AI & Technology driven leaders converge.
IVI would like to specifically thank our Summit Sponsors Kildare County Council, MaynoothWorks and UNUM Ireland.
The first day of our event on Wednesday June 11th, hosted co-creations workshops, a high level panel, and spotlights from leaders and public figures.
IVI Director Prof. Markus Helfert and Maynooth Unversity’s Vice President Research and Innovation Prof. Rachel Msetfi, started off Day 1 of the Summit, leading into a high profile panel featuring Prof. Joseph Coughlan, Peter Clifford, Dr. Clare Thornley, Dr. Patrick Lynch, and Edwina Fitzmaurice (left) as they discussed the theme, ‘Advanced Digital Skills in a rapidly changing world – Can we win the race for talent?’
Edwina Fitzmaurice at the IVI Summit 2025
Simultanous workshops ran throughout the day in our break-out rooms after our morning panel, alongside great networking breaks showcasing research poster displays while our attendees had some well earned lunch.
We hosted seven of these co-creation workshops focusing on actionable insights for the future:
Our workshop chairs and expert speakers provided a great international overview and discussion of digital transformation and strategic directions in these specific areas across fields in industry and research.
Day 1 concluded with an insightful presentation by Prof. Edward Gregg, ‘The Converge Programme: Optimizing Decision-Making for Chronic Diseases through Better Integration of Population Health Disciplines’, and a networking Wine & Canape reception.
The second day of our event, on Thursday June 12th, was a plenary day filled with spotlights and presentations from thought leaders in research and business, accompanied by our Key Strategic Panel and three simultaneously run deep dive discussions.
IVI Summit MCs Simon Hanratty and Zoe Ryan (left) opened the day alongside IVI Director Prof. Markus Helfert.
Special addresses from AIS President-elect of the Association for Information Systems Prof. Jan vom Brocke followed by the launch of the Futures Institute on Data and Digital Transformation initiative at Maynooth University by Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins, T.D., Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
Our morning Key Strategic Panel featured Maynooth University’s Rebecca Doolin as moderator, Grace Hayes, Commissioner Dr Des Hogan, Deputy Naoise Ó’Cearúil and Donal Travers.
These experts covered the vital regulatory and society-impacting topic, ‘Can Europe Lead Responsible AI? Bridging Innovation, Regulation, and the Value of Data in the Global AI Race.‘
Speakers for the rest of the day’s schedule included
Our three parallel break-out discussions were
Day 2 concluded with our Annual Student Innovation Challenge.
In collaboration with international universities, Kyiv Economic University and Ivano-Fankivsk University of Oil & Gas, alongside Deggendorf Institute of technology, teams of students competed to create fictitious products or services and create AI-driven advertising campaigns. The students explored the ease of producing misleading content, the quality of AI-generated materials, and strategies to mitigate misinformation.
Sponsored by Unum Ireland, the winning teams were announced during this session and were proudly presented awards for:
Outstanding Innovative Idea and Understanding of Challenges with AI and Disinformation
and
Excellent Research and Outstanding Experimentation with AI Tools and Disinformation
Later that evening we gathered for the Gala Conference Dinner at the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth where we had networking drinks on arrival and classical music from Jamie Oliver. After dinner we had a display of paintings from Joan Mulvihill followed by the launch of Piero Formica’s book Economic Humanism. We finished the evening with presenting the IVI Recognition Awards to those who have truly supported and continue to build strategic partnerships in IVI.
(right – Prof. Jan vom Brocke and Prof. Markus Helfert)
The third day of our event on Friday June 13th, was a day of collaboration, inspiration, fostering bridges built, shaping our digital futures, discussing hidden insights, and networking in an inspiring, heritage rich setting.
A networking breakfast in the historic Pugin Hall at Maynooth University South Campus started our day. Short presentations on some of IVI’s Hidden Research Insights, and an opportunity to meet our Research Experts, created a unique setting as we relaxed, learned, networked and energised ourselves for the day together.
A memorable historic tour of the south campus, group photo opportunities and discussing key takeaways from the 2025 IVI Summit together, meant no idea went missed and the beauty of the Georgian Stoyte House (built 1795), the striking Gothic architecture of St Patrick’s Pugin Hall, and the gorgeous Russel Library, was enjoyed to the fullest by all.
We then concluded Day 3, and the 2025 IVI Summit, by heading into the heart of Dublin to Teeling’s Distillery.
A light lunch and three inspiring talks on the Future of Digital & Innovation accompanied a tour of the distillery and Irish whiskey tastings.
The 2026 IVI Summit celebrating our 20th year promises to be our biggest yet. With Early Bird prices available until February, now is the time to register and ensure you can take part in collaborating, learning and networking with leaders from across digital, research, government, business and more.
Register for the IVI Summit 2026
Dr. Marco Alfano
Dr. Azra Aryania
Dr. Ruth Buckley
Dr. Rafiqul Haque
Indudhara Havaldar
Prof. Markus Helfert
Prof. Eeva Leinonen
Prof. Rachel Msetfi
Dr. Zohreh Pourzolfaghar
Dr. Claudia Roessing
Sam Santosh
Dr. Christoph Strnadl
Prof. Jörn von Lucke
Carol Connolly
Dr. Edmund Chapman
Fjolla Berisha
Leidiane da Silva
Rozita Hashemi
Sana Kiran
Erica Tegolo
Andrea Paola Tordecilla Sanders
Leonard Yesudas