Dublin Tech Summit 2025 Recap: Innovation, Risk & Opportunity for Irish SMEs

As the curtains close on Dublin Tech Summit 2025, one thing is clear — Ireland’s tech scene is buzzing with innovation, global perspectives, and real commercial momentum.

Across two packed days, leaders in AI, cybersecurity, digital design, fintech, sustainability, and scaling shared their visions, research, and tools for the future. Here’s what stood out — and why it matters for Irish businesses.

🔍 What We Saw and Heard

🧠 AI: Beyond the Hype

AI was everywhere — but not always in the way you’d expect.

  • Hiroshi Ishii from the MIT Media Lab delivered a poetic keynote on TeleAbsence — using technology to connect with memory and loss, not just productivity. It reframed how we think about digital presence.

  • On the flip side, Robert McArdle of Trend Micro showed how cybercriminals are already using GenAI — mostly for phishing, impersonation, and scalable social engineering. The threat isn’t science fiction — it’s happening now, in low-level but widespread ways.

🛠️ Deeptech, Fintech & Funding

  • The European Innovation Council, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, and even JP Morgan had a strong presence — with funding conversations focused on deeptech, sustainability, and global growth.

  • There’s a clear hunger from Irish startups and SMEs for non-bank funding options that move faster and work smarter.

💡 Themes That Kept Coming Up

  • Trust is the new currency — in data, platforms, and partnerships.

  • Speed matters — but so does staying grounded in your values.

  • And crucially for Irish SMEs: Adaptability beats size.

🚀 What This Means for Irish SMEs

Dublin Tech Summit wasn’t just a showcase of unicorns and global firms. It was a clear sign that opportunities are growing for well-positioned, forward-thinking SMEs — especially those ready to invest in tech, talent, or transformation.

But growth comes with cost — and risk. Whether you’re:

  • Upgrading your systems

  • Hiring for new tech roles

  • Investing in cybersecurity

  • Chasing new export opportunities
    —you need a finance partner who moves at your speed.

That’s where we come in.

💼 BusinessLoans.ie – Fast, Flexible Funding for Irish SMEs

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish businesses secure:

  • ✅ Unsecured business loans up to €500,000

  • ✅ Asset finance for new or used equipment

  • ✅ Short-term working capital — when you need it most

  • ✅ Solutions even when the bank says no

No jargon. No delay. Just practical funding to help you move forward.

If you saw something at Dublin Tech Summit that inspired your next move — talk to us. We’re ready to back you.

👋 See You Next Year!

Dublin Tech Summit 2025 was a powerful reminder that the future isn’t coming — it’s already here. Let’s make sure Irish SMEs have the tools — and funding — to lead in it.