Cork start-ups summit to focus on innovation and impact of AI

The fifth Scale Ireland Regional Start-Up Summit will be held at The Clayton Hotel in Cork city on Friday, February 13.

The event, which will be launched by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, will focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), while also exploring the challenges facing start-ups and scaling companies.

Ahead of the summit, Scale Ireland has launched its fifth State of Start-ups Survey, seeking the views of founders and CEOs on the key issues affecting them, as well as the state of the sector, including views on the availability of capital, potential of AI, investment of pension fund savings in to indigenous companies, staffing and skill needs, and regulatory issues.

A record 235 CEOs and founders responded to last year’s survey, the biggest of its kind for the Irish tech sector, according to Scale Ireland. This year’s survey also focuses on diversity, increasing awareness of sustainability, and student internships, with the results scheduled for publication to coincide with the summit.

The CEO of Scale Ireland, Martina Fitzgerald, said the summit is taking place at a “critical time for our sector, given the significant technology and geopolitical developments”.

“It is vital that regional innovation and entrepreneurship are prioritised,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

“Now more than ever, we need to promote and support companies around the country to become global leaders.”

The chair of Scale Ireland, Brian Caulfield, said Ireland is “at an inflection point, driven by geopolitical and economic uncertainty”.

“We need to double down on innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of future economic growth.

“In that context, it’s essential to have the input of founders across the country.”

To contribute to the State of Start ups Survey 2026, visit: https://form.typeform.com/to/IOrVxLqx.