- Part of ViennaUP 2026, HumanxAI Europe Conference explores Europe’s gap between AI regulation and technological capability
- The event gathers founders, investors, and researchers building Europe’s AI ecosystem
- The Congress’ programme spans seven tracks covering sovereignty, infrastructure, innovation, and commercialization.
- The focus is on the clear pathways from research to scalable AI companies and strengthening technological sovereignty
HumanxAI Conference 2026 will take place on May 19th in Vienna as part of ViennaUP, bringing together founders, investors, researchers, and policymakers to address one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: closing the gap between regulatory ambition and technological capability in AI.
Hosted at the Hofstallung of the Museum of Modern Art (mumok), the one-day Conference positions itself as a platform for those actively building Europe’s AI future—not through policy alone, but through companies, capital, and applied research.
Bridging Europe’s AI Gap
Europe has established itself as a global leader in AI regulation, yet remains dependent on external providers for core technologies such as foundation models and cloud infrastructure. This imbalance shapes economic structures, labor markets, and public discourse.
HumanxAI focuses on this tension, exploring how Europe can move from regulation to implementation. The Conference highlights the need for stronger industrial capabilities, investment, and ecosystem collaboration to ensure technological sovereignty.
A Multi-Track Programme
The Conference is structured across seven thematic streams:
- Sovereignty & Democracy
- Founders & Ecosystems
- Energy & Infrastructure
- Cities & Public Innovation
- Creativity & Perception
- From Lab to Market
- Capital & Sovereignty
These tracks provide a comprehensive view of the AI landscape, from foundational technologies to real-world applications.
Participants will engage with topics ranging from defense and cybersecurity to creative industries and urban innovation, reflecting the broad impact of AI across sectors.
Voices Shaping Europe’s AI Future
The speaker lineup brings together leading voices from across Europe’s AI ecosystem. Analysts, entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers will share perspectives on how technology is reshaping institutions, economies, and societies. The announced speakers include:
- Alexandru Badut, Venture Partner at Underline Ventures
- Konstantin Bezuhanov, CEO at Evrotrust
- Joachim Enegaard, Investor at Rockaway Ventures
- Ralitsa Ivanova, Co-Founder at Appolica Venture Studio
- Tichomir Jenkut, Investor at Presto Tech Horizons
- Ivan Krastev, Chairman at the Centre for Liberal Strategies, Permanent Fellow at IWM Vienna
- Valeri Petrov, Partner at Eleven Ventures
- Victor Tchervenobrejki, Head of AI and ML Solutions at Cloud Office
- Jeremy Teboul, Partner at OTB Ventures
- Hannah Wundsam, Managing Director at AustrianStartups
- Follow the complete speaker lineup here.
Discussions will address critical questions around trust, governance, and the role of technology leaders in shaping public life. At the same time, founders and investors will present practical insights into building and scaling AI-driven companies within Europe. The detailed agenda is available here.
From Research to Market
A key focus of the event is the transition from academic research to commercial success. Many European breakthroughs originate in research institutions but struggle to translate into scalable businesses.
HumanxAI Europe highlights examples of companies and founders successfully bridging this gap, demonstrating how deep-tech innovation can become competitive market solutions. This includes advances in robotics, autonomous systems, and AI applications across industries.
A Cultural Perspective on AI
The choice of venue—a museum of modern art—reflects the Conference’s broader perspective on AI. Rather than treating AI purely as an industrial or technical subject, Human×AI Europe approaches it as a cultural and societal phenomenon.
This perspective encourages participants to consider not only how AI is built, but also how it influences human perception, creativity, and social structures.
Shaping Europe’s Technological Future
As part of ViennaUP, the conference contributes to a wider conversation about Europe’s role in global innovation. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, it creates a space for collaboration and action.
HumanxAI Europe ultimately aims to move beyond discussion, focusing on tangible ways to strengthen Europe’s position in AI. For participants, it offers both a strategic overview and practical insights into building a more independent and competitive technology ecosystem.
In a Nutshell
- Date: May 19st, 2026
- Place: Museum of Modern Art, Vienna, Austria
- More information: on the Summit’s official website
- Tickets here, use promo code ITKeyMedia for 40% off until May 15th (or until tickets are sold out)
Kostiantyn is a freelance writer from Crimea but based in Lviv. He loves writing about IT and high tech because those topics are always upbeat and he’s an inherent optimist!
