Founder-focused initiative powered by Irish BICs to connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors and growth opportunities at DTS 2026

Dublin Tech Summit is set to launch the Accelerate Hub at this year’s event, a brand-new space dedicated to supporting startups, founders and scaling businesses across the global tech ecosystem.

Taking place at the RDS Dublin on 27–28 May 2026, the Accelerate Hub will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, advisors and ecosystem leaders for two days focused on growth, connection and opportunity.

Powered by the Irish BICs network — including AxisBIC, Furthr, Propelor and WestBIC — the hub has been designed to give founders direct access to practical support across funding, validation, scaling and commercial growth.

The new initiative reflects Dublin Tech Summit’s continued focus on building meaningful opportunities for startups within the wider tech ecosystem, while helping founders connect with the people and insights that can accelerate their next stage of growth.

Alongside the hub, the Accelerate Stage will feature a founder-focused content programme covering some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing startups in 2026.

Sessions include:

• Deal Killers: Why Investors Say No
• Pitch-Ready: What Actually Gets You in the Room
• From Startup to Exit: Building, Scaling, Selling
• Crafting Your Core Story for Investors
• Beyond AI: Why Human Networks Still Build Great Companies

The launch also comes as Dublin Tech Summit continues to expand its 2026 speaker lineup, welcoming leaders from technology, AI, media, finance and innovation.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Sarah Wynn-Williams, tech and policy expert and author of Careless People
• Eric Mosley, Founder & CEO of Workhuman
• Andrew Melchior, creative technologist known for his work with David Bowie and Björk
• Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and Publisher of The Wall Street Journal
• Nadja D’Arcy, Ireland Country Leader at Salesforce

Commenting on the launch, Clare Kilmartin, COO of Dublin Tech Summit, said:

“The Accelerate Hub is about creating meaningful connections between founders, investors and industry leaders. By partnering with Irish BICs, we’re building a space where startups can gain real insights, support and opportunities to help them scale.”

Martin Murray, CEO of Furthr and Chair of Irish BICs, added:

“The Accelerate Hub and Stage will provide founders with direct access to expertise, mentorship and guidance at a critical stage in their growth journey. Through the Irish BIC network, we’ve supported thousands of startups over the past three decades, and this partnership allows us to bring that experience directly to Dublin Tech Summit.”

More than 8,000 attendees are expected to attend Dublin Tech Summit 2026, including founders, investors, policymakers and technology leaders from around the world.

Dublin Tech Summit has also introduced a dedicated startup ticket offering priced at €145 ex. VAT for eligible early-stage companies. Startups can apply for the offer here: https://share.hsforms.com/1j0UNUddeRyqsQKOyoJ