08:00–09:00 · Theatre StageRegistration08:00–09:00 · Studio StageRegistration09:00–09:05 · Theatre StageOpening RemarksOpening Remarks09:05–09:35 · Theatre StageNorthern Ireland: A Unique SpaceNorthern Ireland has come from Linen and gone to Lunar! This presentation will explore how NI is rapidly developing the regional space economy by harnessing our excellent heritage of engineering and innovation and pivoting this towards space as a recognised and valued global space player.09:05–09:35 · Studio StageRiding the Next AI Wave: What Every Engineer Needs to KnowAI is changing the way software is designed, built and shipped - and the pace isn’t slowing down. Join a panel of experienced engineers as they share practical insights on what matters now, what’s coming next, and the skills, tools and mindset engineers need to ride the next wave rather than be left behind.09:35–10:05 · Theatre StageConcept to Capability: AI in Real-Life Scenarios & SituationsExplore the key considerations and decision points SMEs should evaluate when developing AI solutions, from idea generation and technology selection to Responsible AI and Proof of Concept delivery. Drawing on real-world case studies, this session provides practical guidance for turning AI ambitions into achievable outcomes.09:35–10:05 · Studio StageRecruitment, HR, AI & the New Rules of WorkPractical, immediately usable examples of how AI is transforming recruitment and HR, while making clear where human judgement, ethics and employment law still matter!10:05–10:35 · Theatre StageFrom Grid to Guildhall – Harmonize raw data to build world class Industrial IntelligenceJust as Derry’s historic grid pattern shaped modern urban design, industrial enterprises need a clear structural framework for the future. Today, fragmented and siloed data prevents AI from delivering true enterprise value. This keynote explores how harmonizing data, across schema, semantics, and operational context, creates the backbone of a unified Digital Thread to power Industrial Platforms.10:05–10:35 · Studio StageTrust by DesignWhat Every Tech Founder Can Learn from an Online Stalking Survivor. Technology has the power to transform lives, create opportunity and build communities. But what happens when the very platforms designed to connect us become tools for harassment, abuse and fear?10:35–11:05 · Theatre Stage10 things your lawyer wants you to know about AIIn this practical session I (i.e. a lawyer who spends their day advising tech companies on AI) would talk through the key issues that anyone building or scaling a tech business that uses AI, should have on their radar - covering areas like data rights, algorithmic accountability, intellectual property, and keeping contracts fit for purpose. It would be a useful primer for anyone who wanted to understand the legal side of AI without needing a law degree to follow along!10:35–11:05 · Studio StageWill AI Kill Creativity?As AI transforms how we work, create and innovate, are we unlocking a new era of human creativity, or slowly outsourcing the very thing that makes us original?11:05–11:35 · Theatre StageInside the San Francisco Founder Playbook: Scaling from Millions to Hundreds of MillionsRoss Sylvester shares the lessons from building a business from early-stage startup to hundreds of millions in revenue, and the realities of scaling in Silicon Valley. In conversation with Layla McGarry, Ross will unpack what founders get wrong, what changes as companies scale, and what he would do differently if he were starting again today.11:05–11:35 · Studio StageBuilding AI at Warp Speed: When No-Code Collides with MLOpsLow-code and no-code AI platforms are dramatically accelerating how intelligent applications are built. Tools for orchestrating LLMs, automation pipelines and AI workflows now allow developers to move from idea to working prototype in hours rather than weeks. But when these tools meet the realities of production systems, an important question emerges: how well do they align with the rigour required for production-grade machine learning operations?11:35–12:05 · Theatre StageScaling Revenue: Lessons from the Front Lines of Global TechIn conversion with Neil Hutcheson the CEO of Software NI, join Martin Moran, a seasoned technology leader and board chair, for a candid fireside conversation drawing on his experience building Salesforce’s international business to $250m+ ARR and its Alliances and Channels function to $135m, alongside leading and advising high-growth technology businesses through scale, fundraising, acquisitions and successful exits.11:35–12:05 · Studio StageCybercrime at Machine Speed: Can Humans Still Defend Fast Enough?It's the end of 2026. An organisation discovers that an attacker has used AI agents to identify its weaknesses, create convincing employee identities, conduct social engineering, exploit a vulnerability and move through its network - all within hours. What happens next?DC12:05–12:35 · Studio StageWho Gets the Cheque? - Inside the Mind of an InvestorWhat makes an early-stage investor lean in, and what makes them pass? A panel of investors lifts the lid on how they assess founders, ideas, markets and potential, sharing what really influences an investment decision, the red flags that raise concerns, and what startups can do to stand out when it matters.12:05–12:35 · Theatre StageBeyond the Blueprint: Unlocking Innovation and Resilience for SMEsThe most successful businesses aren’t standing still. Discover how technology, collaboration and bold thinking are helping SMEs tackle new challenges, strengthen resilience, embrace innovation and build a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world.12:35–13:05 · Studio StageStartup Pitch Session 1Startup Pitch Session 1 with panel of investor judges.12:35–13:05 · Theatre StagePowering the AI Era: The Future of Data and Advanced ManufacturingAs AI transforms industries and accelerates the demand for data, Seagate is driving innovation in next-generation storage technology. From powering the AI revolution to applying AI, machine learning and automation within advanced manufacturing, discover how Seagate is shaping the future of data and transforming the factory of tomorrow.13:05–13:45 · All stagesLunch BreakLunch Break13:45–14:15 · Theatre StageFROM ST COLUMB’S TO FACEBOOK HQFrom school in Derry to the heart of global tech, Colm Long, in conversation with Ryan Williams, reflects on his career journey, whilst discussing technology's extraordinary potential, and the opportunities and challenges it creates.13:45–14:15 · Studio StageFrom Brief to Build: Where AI Fits in the Product Delivery ProcessWill AI replace product teams, or simply change what they do? This panel explores how AI is reshaping the journey from brief to build, and where human creativity, judgement and collaboration remain irreplaceable.PMAB14:15–14:45 · Theatre StageAI on the Mainframe: From Tribal Knowledge to an Enterprise ToolchainDiscover how a mainframe engineering team turned decades of tribal knowledge into a source-verified knowledge base, and used it to power AI agents for incident triage, design review and impact analysis. Drawing on real production examples, this session shows how a governed, spec-driven pipeline keeps AI safe on business-critical systems, and gives you a practical starting point for your own legacy estate.NS14:15–14:45 · Studio StageThe Questions Nobody Asks in the Claude DemoEveryone's showing off what they built with Claude, almost nobody's showing what broke, what it really cost or what it cost them in review time. This talk is the engineering post-mortem behind the show-and-tell and a playbook for shipping AI-assisted code without lying to yourself about it and destroying morale.14:45–15:15 · Studio StageIf software is over, is go to market the only moat?Everyone can build. So what's left? Maria McMenamin and Ian Browne ditch the slides for a conversation where they quiz each other on the state of the AI nation and the go-to-market reality founders actually face. Is distribution the last defensible thing, or is that what people say when they can't build? They will disagree. You'll leave with a sharper view of the next 12 months, and probably a side to pick.14:45–15:15 · Theatre StageNeurodiversity in Software EngineeringDrawing on real-world experience in software development, AI Engineering and complex enterprise systems, our panelists will examine how different cognitive perspectives influence our approach to technical challenges and system building.15:15–15:45 · Studio StageThe Business of Innovation: Why Great Technology Still Needs Great Financial StrategyWhether you're building a startup or scaling a tech team, how you manage your money will decide whether your innovation survives. Kieran Phelan of Satori Accounting explains what great financial strategy looks like in practice, and gives a candid look at AI in accounting tools like so you know what to automate, what to question, who stays accountable and how to align great tech with financial strategy.15:15–15:45 · Theatre StageFuture-Proofing Your Tech Career“Future-Proofing Your Tech Career” explores the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to stay relevant as technology and the workplace continue to evolve. Discover practical ways to embrace change, build in-demand capabilities, and take control of your career journey.15:45–16:15 · Theatre StageMoving Fast on AI Without Leaving People BehindAI has the potential to widen opportunity but could it deepen existing inequalities in work and everyday life? Drawing on research into AI skills, attitudes and adoption, this talk explores how building people’s capability and designing around different needs can help AI reduce barriers rather than create new ones.15:45–16:15 · Studio StageDon’t Leave Money on the Table: SEIS, EIS & R&D Tax Relief for FoundersFrom raising investment to funding innovation, discover the tax reliefs and incentives that can put more cash back into your startup. Join our experts for practical, founder-friendly insights on SEIS, EIS, R&D tax relief and how to make them work harder for your business.16:15–16:45 · Studio StageStartup Pitch Session 2Startup Pitch Session 2 with panel of investor judges.16:15–16:45 · Theatre StageThe AI Adoption Journey: A Blueprint for SMEsAI is no longer a technology that SMEs can afford to watch from the sidelines, yet many businesses still struggle to turn growing interest and experimentation into meaningful capability and measurable value. This keynote provides a practical blueprint for moving from AI curiosity to capability, helping leaders assess readiness, overcome barriers, align AI with business strategy, identify high-value use cases, manage responsible AI and risk, and build the investment and partnerships needed to create lasting value.16:45–17:15 · Theatre StageBeyond the Pitch: How Founders Navigate Grants & InvestmentAre you a Founder looking to navigate the world of early-stage Investments and Grants? Expect a candid conversation with founders on navigating the world of grants and investment.....from finding the right early-stage grant, through to raising that all important seed round of investment.17:15–17:30 · All stagesStartup Winner announced and Closing RemarksStartup Winner announced and Closing Remarks

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