Futura Innovation Conference comes to Limerick, October 19th

Futura Innovation Conference

When and where is it on?

Futura Innovation Conference takes place from 19 to 21 October 2026 in Limerick, Ireland. Rather than being based in a single convention centre, Futura will take place across 10+ venues throughout Limerick City Centre, creating a walkable, citywide conference experience.

How many years has it been going?

2026 will be the inaugural Futura Innovation Conference.

What was the inspiration to start it?

Futura was created around the idea that some of the most valuable innovation happens when people from different sectors, industries and countries have the opportunity to connect.
The goal is to bring together industry, government, education, research, investors, entrepreneurs and startups in one place, while breaking down some of the traditional barriers between sectors. By hosting the conference throughout Limerick City Centre, we also wanted the city itself to become part of the experience rather than simply serving as the backdrop to a traditional conference.

What exciting things can people look forward to?

Attendees can expect three days of keynotes, panels, discussions, startup programming, networking, partner-led experiences and experiential activations across the city.
Programming will span seven tracks:

AgTech & Sustainability
Culture, Media & Entertainment
Enterprise
Infrastructure & Logistics
Innovative Technologies
MedTech & Life Sciences
Transport & Aerospace

One of the things we are particularly excited about is the crossover between these tracks. Many of the biggest challenges and opportunities in innovation do not sit neatly within a single industry, so Futura is designed to encourage conversations between sectors that may not traditionally interact.

There will also be citywide programming, dedicated partner experiences, startup activities, immersive technology showcases and opportunities to experience Limerick as attendees move between venues.

What opportunities are on offer for those attending?

Futura is being designed around connection and collaboration as much as content.
Attendees will have opportunities to meet founders, investors, business leaders, researchers, policymakers, educators and innovation organisations from Ireland and internationally. Alongside the programme itself, there will be networking, curated introductions, meetings, startup programming and partner-led events throughout the three days.
For startups in particular, the conference includes the Futura Start-Up Pitch Competition, where selected finalists will pitch in front of investors, innovation leaders and a global audience.

Who will be speaking?

Futura is expected to feature 200+ speakers from Ireland and around the world across more than 100 sessions.

One of our featured speakers is Matthew Loys Duncan, Microsoft Future of Work & AI Thought Leadership, with many additional leaders from industry, government, academia, entrepreneurship, investment and technology joining the programme.
We will continue announcing additional speakers and programme details in the lead-up to October.

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

Plan ahead, but leave room for unexpected conversations.

With programming taking place across multiple venues and seven different tracks, we would recommend identifying a few sessions that are especially important to you, then using the rest of the conference to explore other sectors and meet people outside your usual network.
We also encourage attendees to take advantage of the citywide format. Some of the most valuable conversations may happen while walking between venues, attending a partner event or meeting someone from a completely different industry.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out?

Tickets can be purchased through futuraevent.com.

As this is the first Futura Innovation Conference, there is no previous sell-out date to reference, but we encourage attendees to register early as October approaches and more of the programme is announced.

What makes Futura different is that it is not intended to feel like a traditional conference contained within one building.

We are creating a global innovation experience across Limerick City Centre, bringing together government, education, startups and industry while giving attendees opportunities to move between content, meetings, networking, partner programming and experiential activities throughout the city.

We expect 1,000+ participants from 15+ countries, and our aim is for people to leave Futura not only with new ideas, but with new relationships and opportunities that continue well beyond the three days of the conference.

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