European AI Innovation Month showcases for a whole month what Europe can do with AI
From 14 October to 17 November 2026, Europe will be focused on AI for a whole month. The European Commission, together with the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, is organising the European AI Innovation Month. In a series of online and in-person events across Europe, policymakers, businesses, the public sector and researchers will come together to showcase how AI is being developed and applied here.
We think this is a wonderful initiative. The conversation about AI often centres on what is happening across the Atlantic. This month, the focus shifts to what is being built, tested and shared within Europe itself.
Three summits as the backbone
The International AI Summit in Dublin opened the month on 14 October, exploring how AI can strengthen European competitiveness.
The AI in Science Summit on 15 October focused on the role of AI in scientific discoveries.
The Apply AI Summit on 17 November in Brussels and online will close the month. That day also marks the first anniversary of the Commission’s Apply AI Strategy.
In addition, there will be a virtual conference platform throughout the month, featuring an online exhibition of innovative projects.
Dozens of partner events across Europe
Organisations from all over Europe are contributing with their own events, from Porto to Prague and from Galway to Budapest. An interactive map on the Commission’s website shows which events are taking place near you. For those working in education, a few stand out.
Education in the Age of AI, a European education conference on 21 and 22 October in Galway, focusing on AI and AI literacy in education.
Should We Ban AI in Higher Education, a public debate on 22 October in Linz about learning, assessment and independent thinking.
In the Netherlands, among others, the AI Salon Eindhoven on 22 October, the AI Summit Brainport on 12 November, and the EIT AI Entrepreneurs Lab on 13 November in Amsterdam.
Our webinar on Wednesday 4 November
During this month, we are also organising a webinar as our contribution to the European conversation. On Wednesday 4 November from 15:00 to 16:15, Pascal Mariany and Daniel Verloop will host the free online webinar Sovereign European AI that Strengthens Critical Thinking. A Hands-on Webinar.
The central question is how Europe can deploy AI that strengthens human thinking rather than replacing it. Daniel will explain what sovereignty means in practice for data, infrastructure and accountability. Pascal will give a live demonstration of how AI companions in EduGPT respond with counter-questions instead of simply providing answers.
Afterwards, you will get hands-on experience in a live AI environment on European infrastructure and build your own companion. We will conclude with a joint reflection and practical steps for responsible AI in your own organisation.
The webinar will be held in English, requires no technical background, and is intended for education professionals, public sector professionals and policymakers across Europe.
Especially in an era of AI, this is a conversation we must have together. You are most welcome. Register here for free.
Image European Commission, European AI Innovation Month