AI Summit 2026: IEEE Descends on Budapest

About the Event

If your idea of a cracking time involves debating neural architectures followed by a sunset cruise on the Danube, then clear your diary. The IEEE Central European AI Summit 2026 is descending upon Budapest, Hungary, from March 19-21, 2026. Hosted by the IEEE Hungary Section and Óbuda University, this is shaping up to be a red-letter date for anyone serious about the future of artificial intelligence in the region.

The summit will take place at Óbuda University, an institution rapidly carving out a name for itself in AI and robotics research. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill tech meetup; it’s a high-octane gathering designed for AI researchers, industry practitioners, engineers, and the C-suite execs who hold the purse strings. The mission is clear: bridging the gap between ivory-tower academic research and the real-world applications currently upending global industries.

Attendees will get a front-row seat to Central Europe’s burgeoning AI ecosystem. Expect three days of intensive learning, top-tier networking, and a chance to see what’s brewing in one of the continent’s most vibrant tech hubs. And because the organisers clearly know how to throw a party, the networking itinerary includes a river cruise and a banquet at the Museum of Fine Arts. They aren’t half-hearted about the hospitality.

Key Themes

The summit offers a deep dive into the latest AI breakthroughs, tackling everything from the silicon to the soul of the machine. While the full agenda is still being polished, the core pillars include:

• MedTech: Exploring how AI is fundamentally rewriting the rules of diagnostics, treatment, and health informatics.
• Autonomous Systems: A look at the cutting edge of self-driving vehicles, industrial automation, and service robotics.
• Large Language Models (LLMs): Dissecting the architecture, real-world utility, and the thorny ethical questions surrounding generative AI.
• Standardisation and Regulation: Navigating the legal minefields and ethical frameworks required for responsible AI deployment.
• Data Governance: A critical look at managing data with integrity and security in an increasingly automated world.
• Digital Humanism: A surprisingly thoughtful track dedicated to keeping AI human-centric—something we can all agree is a bit of a priority.

Featured Speakers

The organisers have already secured a powerhouse lineup of plenary speakers, including a Nobel laureate. Prepare to hear from:

• Ferenc Krausz, Vienna University of Technology, Austria – 2023 Nobel Prize winner in Physics.
• Botond Roska, University of Basel, Switzerland.
• Nikola Kasabov, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
• Paul Werbos, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA – A true pioneer of backpropagation.
• Dimitar Filev, Texas A&M University, USA.

The keynote address will be delivered by Salvatore Majorana of Kilometro Rosso SpA, setting the stage for a summit packed with industry heavyweights and academic giants.

Schedule

The preliminary programme is designed to maximise both brainpower and banter—with a healthy serving of Hungarian culture on the side.

Day 1 – March 19, 2026

• Morning: Opening Ceremony & Plenary Talk
• Afternoon: Lunch & Panel Discussions
• Evening: Welcome Reception cruising on the River Danube. Because nothing says “the future of AI” like networking on a boat under the stars.

Day 2 – March 20, 2026

• Morning: Plenary Talk
• Afternoon: Lunch & Panel Discussions
• Evening: Banquet at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. After a day of mental gymnastics, you’ll be dining in one of the most spectacular venues in Europe.

Day 3 – March 21, 2026

• Morning: Plenary Talk
• Afternoon: Lunch and farewells. Time to swap LinkedIn profiles and head for the airport, hopefully with a significantly bolstered IQ.

Registration

Registration is now open, with tiered pricing to suit everyone from cash-strapped students to corporate delegations. The early bird catches the worm (and saves a fair few quid), with discounted rates available until January 31, 2026.

• Student: €150 (Early Bird) / €200 (Standard)
• IEEE Member: €250 (Early Bird) / €300 (Standard)
• Regular: €400 (Early Bird) / €450 (Standard)

Your registration fee covers access to all sessions, lunches, and those rather swanky networking events. To see the full details and bag your spot, head over to the official AI Summit 2026 website.