AI Summit 2026: IEEE Descends on Budapest

About the Event

If your idea of a good time involves deep discussions on neural networks followed by a cruise on the Danube, then listen up. 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 can’t-miss event for anyone who’s serious about the future of artificial intelligence in the region.

The summit will unfold at Óbuda University, an institution with a growing reputation in AI and robotics research. This isn’t your garden-variety tech meetup. The summit is geared towards AI researchers, industry practitioners, engineers, and the C-suite execs who sign their checks. The goal is to bridge the gap between groundbreaking academic research and real-world applications that are reshaping industries.

Attendees will gain critical insights into Central Europe’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem. Expect three days of intense learning, high-caliber networking, and a chance to see what’s bubbling up from one of the continent’s most dynamic tech hubs. Oh, and did we mention the networking events include a river cruise and a banquet at the Museum of Fine Arts? They’re not messing around.

Key Themes

The summit will offer a focused look at the latest advances in artificial intelligence, covering a broad and critical range of topics. While the full agenda is still crystallizing, the key themes will include:

• Medical Technology: Exploring how AI is revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment, and health informatics.
• Autonomous Vehicles and Robotic Systems: Diving into the latest developments in self-driving cars, industrial automation, and service robotics.
• Large Language Models (LLMs): Dissecting the architecture, applications, and ethical considerations of generative AI.
• Standardization and Regulation: Tackling the complex challenges of creating a legal and ethical framework for AI development and deployment.
• Data Governance: Discussing the critical importance of managing data ethically and securely in the age of AI.
• Digital Humanism: A surprisingly thoughtful track about keeping AI human-centric, which we can all agree is probably a good idea.

Featured Speakers

The organizers have already announced a powerhouse lineup of plenary speakers, including a Nobel laureate. Get ready to hear from:

• Ferenc Krausz, Vienna University of Technology, Austria - 2023 Nobel laureate in Physics.
• Botond Roska, University of Basel, Switzerland.
• Nikola Kasabov, Aukland University of Technology, New Zealand.
• Paul Werbos, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA - A 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 tone for a summit packed with industry and academic heavyweights.

Schedule

The preliminary program is structured to maximize both learning and networking—with a healthy dose of Hungarian culture.

Day 1 - March 19, 2026

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

Day 2 - March 20, 2026

• Morning: Plenary Talk
• Afternoon: Lunch & Panel Discussion
• Evening: Banquet at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. After filling your brain with knowledge, you get to fill your stomach somewhere spectacular.

Day 3 - March 21, 2026

• Morning: Plenary Talk
• Afternoon: Lunch and farewell. Time to exchange LinkedIn profiles and head home, presumably much smarter.

Registration

Registration is open, with pricing tiers designed to accommodate everyone from students to corporate teams. Early bird pricing ends on January 31, 2026, so acting fast will save you a few euros.

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

Your registration fee includes access to all sessions, lunches, and the rather lavish networking events. For complete details and to secure your spot, head over to the official AI Summit 2026 website.