Industry and academic leaders came together at the University of Galway’s fourth annual Business Summit to tackle the challenges and opportunities of AI and explore its evolving impact on the world of work.

 Organised by the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, the Business Summit forms part of the School’s signature series, Thinking Beyond: Thought Leadership for the Public Good.

 The summit was attended by more than 400 people from dozens of companies in the Greater Galway region.

 Speakers highlighted how AI is reshaping business models and addressed emerging challenges in regulation, skills development and innovation, with discussions emphasising the need to broaden access to AI technologies so organisations of all sizes can benefit.

 Keynote speakers included University of Galway Bachelor of Commerce graduates Majella Mungovan, Vice-President of Financial Operations at Meta, and John Clancy, co-founder and CEO of Galvia AI.

 The programme featured a panel on scaling internationally in regulated sectors such as healthcare, MedTech and finance, with contributions from Joe Power of Medtronic, and graduates Deirdre Giblin of Datavant Ireland and Deloitte Partner Nicola Flannery.

 A panel featuring two investors in AI ventures – former cast member of Dragons’ Den, Norah Casey, and General Partner at Act Venture Capital, John O’Sullivan - as well as University of Galway’s Professor of Economics, Alan Ahearne, explored emerging opportunities for AI-driven ventures. 

 Other speakers included Fergal O’Connor, CEO and Founder, Buymedia; Professor in Business Information Systems, Kieran Conboy; and Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber of Commerce. 

 Throughout the event, industry leaders and University of Galway researchers shared practical insights on AI’s real-world impact and its role in driving organisational and economic transformation.

             Majella Mungovan, Vice President of Financial Operations at Meta, said: “I was proud to return to my alma mater to share insights from our AI journey at Meta, and to hear from leaders from industry and academia. The University of Galway Business Summit provides a valuable forum for discussion and helps shape Ireland’s future business landscape.” 

            Professor Karena Yan, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway, said: “We are proud to bring together influential industry leaders and world‑class academics for the University of Galway Business Summit 2026, where the real business implications of AI are examined up close. In a landscape defined by uncertainty and opportunity, the Summit delivers evidence-based‑ insights that decision‑makers can act on today.” 

           Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway Business Summit provides an important forum for leaders from global industry and academia to engage with the key challenges facing business and society today. In a period of technological change, it is essential that sustainable practices and ethical business models progress alongside innovation. The insights shared at this summit are critical as we navigate both the risks and opportunities presented by developments in AI. I would like to thank all our attendees, speakers, supporters and partners for their contribution to this year’s event.” 

 The Business Summit was supported by AIB as lead supporter, Galway Chamber and itag as partners, and Data2Sustain, Platform94 and European Digital Innovation Hubs Network as supporters. 

 For more information visit: universityofgalway.ie/thinkingbeyond/businesssummit 

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