Europe's next chapter of innovation will not be written in Brussels alone. It will emerge from the labs, campuses, and startup offices of its regions — and the communities connecting them across borders.
What's Next for European Innovation: The 28DIGITAL Ecosystem Reveal is a half-day policy and ecosystem dialogue taking place on 26 May 2026 at the Europa Experience in Dublin, as an official EIT side event during Dublin Tech Week (22–29 May 2026).
Organised by 28DIGITAL (formerly EIT Digital), part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) community, and hosted in collaboration with the European Parliament and Commission offices in Ireland, the event creates a high-quality, community-oriented space for dialogue on what European innovation can — and must — deliver.
In the context of the upcoming Irish EU Council Presidency, the event brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, students, policymakers, and investors to explore how Europe's knowledge triangle of education, research, and business can translate policy ambitions into tangible impact for citizens, startups, and regions.
What to expect
Inspired by the 28DIGITAL GrowDigital format, the event combines keynote interventions and fireside conversations with interactive Innovation Stations — a dynamic, participatory format where small groups rotate across themed discussions hosted by ecosystem leaders and innovators.
The four Innovation Stations will explore:
- Talent for Europe's Future — How the EIT community can strengthen digital talent pipelines through education, mobility, and entrepreneurship
- From Research to Startup — How cutting-edge research and deep-tech innovation can be transformed into globally competitive ventures
- Regional Innovation Ecosystems — How cities and regions build environments that connect universities, corporates, startups, and investors
- Scaling European Innovation — How European innovators can access global markets and partnerships
A short plenary reflection and closing remarks will bring together the key insights from across the stations, followed by a networking reception.
Who should attend
The event is relevant to representatives from European institutions and agencies, members of the EIT community and Knowledge & Innovation Communities (KICs), startup founders, investors, university and research representatives, Irish innovation ecosystem stakeholders, and policy experts.
Event Details
- Date — 26 May 2026
- Time — 14:00 – 17:30 (local time); arrivals from 13:00
- Location — Eispéireas Europa – Europa Experience, 11 Chatham St, Dublin, D02 VP46, Ireland
- Admission — Free of charge
- Context — Dublin Tech Week & Summit 2026 (22–29 May 2026)
Registration
For questions and special requests, please contact event@28digital.eu
