AtlanTec conference Programme 2026

AtlanTec Conference 14 May 2026

Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway

Thursday 14 May - AtlanTec Conference Morning

AtlanTec Conference: Intelligence Augmented: The Frontier of Human Judgement
Venue: Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway
09:00 - 09:05 Welcome Address itag - Sharon Walsh, SVP Technology Fidelity Investments, itag chair
 
 
 
 
09:05 - 09:15 Opening Address: Aengus Parsons, Acting VP for Research & Innovation University of Galway
 
 
 
 
09:15 - 10:00 Keynote Innovation in an Age of Uncertainty and Interactive Q&A
Mark Little, Journalist & Entrepreneur

Abstract: Mark Little will explore innovation in uncertain times, examining trends reshaping organizations, flatter structures, and predictive AI. He’ll highlight energy and infrastructure challenges for Ireland and beyond. He’ll emphasize empathy and decentralized leadership. Crucially, he’ll address how agentic AI augments human judgment, enhancing decision-making at the frontier of leadership. If needed, he’s open to adding insights on fostering trust or combating disinformation—both key to the tech community.

 

Bio: Mark Little, is a renowned journalist and entrepreneur, with a wealth of experience in digital media, tech and entrepreneurship. As the founder of Storyful and co-founder of Kinzen, an AI media technology platform that combats the spread of misinformation, Mark has spent his career at the intersection of tech and democracy. A former RTÉ foreign correspondent and TV presenter, Mark’s presence will be a huge draw to the tech conference, offering a deep dive into trust, safety, and the future of public media.

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10:00 - 10:40 Keynote: The Human Algorithm: Engineering Empathy and Ethics into our Digital Future
Dr Lollie Mancey, InsTech.ie & UCD Innovation Academy

Dr. Lollie Mancey is an internationally acclaimed anthropologist and futurist dedicated to decoding the intersection of technology and human culture. Currently the Head of Innovation for InsTech and a former director at University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, she blends academic excellence with entrepreneurial success as a director of three businesses. A dynamic storyteller and Dublin Story Slam Champion, Dr. Mancey is a prominent media personality, co-presenting RTÉ’s Futureville and collaborating with NASA on systemic shifts. Whether demystifying AI ethics on global stages like the Pendulum Summit or advocating for underrepresented founders, she empowers leaders to navigate digital transformation with a human-centered, inclusive strategy for the future.

10:40 - 11:00 The Agentic Blueprint: Engineering Autonomy into the AI-Native Enterprise
Prof Paul Buitelaar, Deputy Director of Data Science Institute, Insight Research Centre
11:00 - 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:10 Keynote: Human Leadership in an AI-powered World
Angus Nelson, Kuma Partners
Angus Nelson is a leadership coach, strategist, and keynote speaker who helps high-performing entrepreneurs and executives break through plateaus and achieve extraordinary success. As the founder of Evolve Leadership, he combines psychology, emotional intelligence, and proven frameworks to guide clients in overcoming limiting beliefs, aligning purpose with profit, and driving personal growth. He has worked with leaders from FedEx, Cisco, and Bridgestone and delivered keynotes at Walmart, Coca-Cola, BMW, and Disney. Angus is the author of Confidence Comes Later and hosts the Evolve Leadership podcast, where he empowers listeners to cultivate clarity, wealth, and freedom while becoming bold, aligned, and unstoppable.
 
12:10 - 13:00 A Brave New World of Engineering: Scaling Impact through Data and Innovation
Lightning Talks Industry Companies
13:00 - 13:10 AI Challenge 2026: Winner Presentation & Awarding
13:15 - 14:00 Light Lunch and Networking
 

Thursday 14 May AtlanTec Conference Afternoon

AI & Cyber: Practical Implementation & Resilience
Venue: University of Galway, Bailey Allen Hall
14:00 - 14:15 Welcome Prof Professor David Burn, President University of Galway

 

 

14:15 - 15:00 Panel Discussion - Putting AI to Work in Engineering Teams
Genesys, Cisco & Rent The Runway (RTR)
 
15:10 - 15:20 Sustainability Lightning Talk: Sustainability Without Permission: What Developers Can Do Today
15:20 - 16:25 Panel Discussion The Security Paradox: From ‘Vibe Coding’ to Verified Code—Securing Prompt-Driven Development
Veronica Breene Intuity Technologies, Eamonn Larkin Centripetal, James McDermott University of Galway
 
16:25 - 16:30 Closing Remarks
16:30 Networking Reception: Pizza & Drinks at SULT.

Friday 17th May 2023

Regional Tech Spotlight – Leaders Event

AtlanTec Tag Rugby

AtlanTec Tag Rugby World Championship 

DATE: Friday 19th May

TIMES:  Blitz from 18:00 till late 

COST:   €120 per team (min 7 players, max 10 players – mixed format min 3 ladies)

Prize Giving, Food & Beer 

Whether your company is a seasoned tag rugby campaigner or ready to take part in their first tag tournament, the AtlanTec Tech Tag Rugby World Championship is the perfect event to kick start your Tag Rugby Season.

Your team is guaranteed at least 2 x 10 minute matches (weather permitting). Most teams will also then qualify for a further knockout game, where they have a chance of winning a prize.

Après AtlanTec Tag Rugby Party
After the final join us for the prize giving, final wrap up party for this year’s AtlanTec Festival with music, burgers, beer and other entertainment especially selected for Techies!

BOOK your Team today. Email us at info@itag.ie