Event recap · 1 July 2026
Ireland's AI Factory Antenna is launched
On Wednesday 1 July 2026, the AI Factory Antenna was officially launched at Smock Alley Theatre by Minister James Lawless TD. The morning played to a full house, with the French and Luxembourg Ambassadors and senior figures from across Ireland's AI ecosystem in attendance.
On the day
The essentials
- Date
- Wednesday 1 July 2026
- Time
- 10:30am – 1:00pm
- Venue
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Smock Alley Theatre
6/7 Exchange Street Lower, Temple Bar, Dublin 8
View on map → - Officially opened by
- Minister James Lawless TD
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
A great success
A landmark morning
for Irish AI
On 1 July 2026, Ireland's AI Factory Antenna was officially launched at the historic Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin. With overwhelming demand we had to close registrations early and hosted a full house on the day.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD officially opened proceedings, joined by French Ambassador Céline Place and Luxembourg Ambassador Florence Ensch. All three delivered engaging, forward-looking addresses on Ireland and Europe's AI ambitions.
The panel discussions drew excellent feedback, both for the quality of the conversations and the calibre of the speakers, as senior figures from Government, ICHEC, CeADAR, EuroHPC and the French and Luxembourg AI Factories explored the opportunities ahead for Ireland's AI ecosystem.
In his words
A word from the Minister
The launch of the AI Factory Antenna marks an important step forward for Ireland's digital future. By bringing together businesses, researchers and public sector organisations, it will help create an environment where innovation can thrive and where organisations of all sizes can access the support they need to make the most of AI.
This collaborative approach will strengthen Ireland's position internationally, helping us remain competitive, attract talent and build on our reputation as a leader in innovation and digital technologies.
The AI Factory Antenna also demonstrates the value of European collaboration. I would like to acknowledge the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking for its leadership in advancing this initiative, and thank our project partners in France and Luxembourg for their commitment and cooperation.
Gallery
Moments from the day
A snapshot of the launch at Smock Alley Theatre: the speakers, the panels and a full house.
Photography by Kenneth O'Halloran. AI Factory Antenna launch, Smock Alley Theatre, 1 July 2026.
The programme
The agenda on the day
How the morning unfolded at Smock Alley Theatre, from the welcome address and official launch through a series of panel discussions on the future of AI in Ireland and Europe.
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10:3011:00
Coffee & Networking
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11:0011:30
Welcome Address & Official Launch
Introduction to the AI Factory Antenna programme from ICHEC, a welcome address from Chairman of the Board Martin Hynes, the official launch by Minister James Lawless TD, and remarks on partnership and collaboration from French Ambassador Céline Place and Luxembourg Ambassador Florence Ensch.
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11:3012:00Panel discussion
Europe's AI Ecosystem: Building Momentum
How is Europe's AI ecosystem positioned on the global stage? What recent and upcoming investments is Europe making? And why is European tech sovereignty such a big topic right now?
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12:0012:30Panel discussion
Ireland's AI Ecosystem: SWOT Analysis
Ireland has the AI talent and the ambition to punch above its weight. Where do we stand on AI infrastructure? A panel including AI startups, state agencies, and government representatives will take a deep dive into the strengths and opportunities of Ireland's AI ecosystem.
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12:3012:50Panel discussion
Voice of the Customer
Hear from early AI Factory Antenna customers on how access to AI infrastructure is helping them accelerate and innovate.
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12:5013:00
Closing Remarks
Panellists included senior figures from Government, ICHEC, CeADAR, EuroHPC, and the France and Luxembourg AI Factories.
In the press
Press coverage
Selected coverage of the AI Factory Antenna launch across national media and partners.
With thanks to Milestone Inventive and Lisa Regan PR for their work in bringing the launch together.
What's next
Explore what the Antenna can do for you
The AI Factory Antenna is open for business. Whether you're a startup, researcher or enterprise, get in touch to find out how to access Europe's AI infrastructure through Ireland's national gateway.