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 Leadership in an Age of Superhuman Tech
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 Edge: AI, Creativity, Consequence, and the Next Frontier
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 Fireside Chat - Neuro-Symbolic AI: A New Direction for AI Development and Deployment
Prof Paul Buitelaar, Deputy Director of Data Science Institute, Insight Research Centre
Host Elaine Murphy Site Lead CVS Ireland
11:00 - 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:00 Keynote: Stability Creates Velocity: Why the Human System Is Your Most Critical Infrastructure
Angus Nelson, Kuma Partners

Abstract:

When every organization runs the same AI, the outputs converge. The strategies rhyme. The differentiation disappears. Drawing on work with senior executives inside 74 Fortune 500 organizations, Angus Nelson makes the case that human stability is performance infrastructure… and in an AI-optimized world, it’s the last competitive advantage that cannot be replicated.

 
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.
 
12:00 - 12:30 A Brave New World of Engineering: Scaling Impact through Data and Innovation
Lightning Talks: Emer Fanning CVS Health, Davitt Connolly SAP & Brendan Allen SENUS
12:30 - 12:40 AI Challenge Winner 2026: Alacantara 2 and Project 'Trustlens' from CVS Health

TrustLens: Clarity in the Age of Digital Deception

The team, comprised of
Rory Ward, John Quinlivan, Ebin Sleeba, Olivia Joyce, and Smitesh Patil from CVS Health – developed an AI-powered YouTube analysis
platform. Unlike standard tools that offer a simple “true or false” score, TrustLens uses AI to examine Youtube video authenticity, extract factual claims, and
analyse context. 

12:40 - 13:45 Light Lunch and Networking
 

Thursday 14 May AtlanTec Conference Afternoon

AI & Cyber: Practical Implementation & Resilience
Venue: University of Galway, Bailey Allen Hall
13:45 - 14:00 Welcome Back Prof Professor David Burn, President University of Galway

 

 

14:00 - 15:00 Lightning Talks & Panel - Putting AI to Work in Engineering Teams
Stephanus Meiring Rent the Runway, Cillian Myles Datavant, Robert Headon Cisco, & Peter Roche Genesys

Lightning Talks followed by panel discussion moderated by Fiona Veazey, Fidelity Investments.

  1. Stephanus Meiring (Rent the Runway) – “AI-Assisted Engineering, Done Right. Putting structure around the speed.” 
  2. Cillian Myles (Datavant) – “From Code Completion to Engineering Participation”
  3. Robert Headon (Cisco) 
  4. Peter Roche (Genesys) – “Engineering Power Steering: Two Years of AI Development”
15:00 - 15:10 Tea & Coffee Break (in room)
15:10 - 15:20 Sustainability Lightning Talk: Sustainability Without Permission: What Developers Can Do Today
Francis Yates, Stormy
15:20 - 16:20 Live Demos & Panel Discussion - The Security Paradox: ‘Vibe Coding’ - The Good the bad and the ugly Incl: Interactive Vibe Coding Session
Eamonn Larkin Centripetal & John Tallon Storm Technology, Veronica Breene Intuity Technologies
Moderated by Andrea Manning, Acorn Life.
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