Dell Technologies Forum Dublin 2026 has concluded, bringing together over 600 attendees from across the island of Ireland.
The event focused on the technology priorities now shaping enterprise strategy. These included AI and analytics at scale, infrastructure modernisation, sovereign AI, AI-ready workplaces and cyber resilience. Attendees also discussed how AI and technology can help Irish organisations achieve peak performance.
Attendees heard from Dell Technologies executives, specialists, customers and partners, including Mark Hopkins, MD of Dell Technologies Ireland; Tim Grant, Executive Chairman of TensorX; and a special discussion featuring three-time Olympian and European gold medallist Mark English and Cape Verde and Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes.
Key event highlights
Dell Technologies highlighted its collaboration with Irish-founded TensorX, which recently secured more than €8m in seed funding. Through the partnership, TensorX is providing AI inferencing-as-a-service capabilities that enable organisations to run AI inference workloads within Europe. This gives customers greater control over where data resides, how workloads are governed and under which jurisdiction services operate, helping address growing demand for trusted and sovereign AI solutions.
A discussion moderated by RTÉ broadcaster Jacqui Hurley brought together three-time Olympian and European gold medallist Mark English and Cape Verde international and Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes. The conversation explored the mindset, resilience and continuous improvement required to perform at the highest level. Speakers reflected on how preparation, adaptability and the ability to respond to changing circumstances are critical to sustained success, drawing parallels with how organisations are navigating technological change and AI adoption.
Why It Matters
These discussions reflected a wider shift across Irish organisations who remain committed to digital transformation and increasing their focus on AI adoption.
According to the Dell Technologies Modern Enterprise Readiness Study 2026, 60% of Irish leaders said they are in early to mid-stages of AI/GenAI journey, but
94% of them also said that macroeconomic conditions are making them more selective about further technology investments. This aligned with one of the strongest themes from this year’s Forum – businesses are looking for simpler, more connected approaches to transformation that can deliver measurable value.
AI readiness was also a central theme at this year’s Forum and the study found that 78% of IT leaders here in Ireland say their infrastructure is not yet fully prepared to support AI and analytics workloads, while 70% say security and compliance concerns have slowed or delayed AI adoption initiatives.
Workplace modernisation also emerged as a key part of the AI conversation. The study shows that 96% of Irish leaders and decision makers believe modern devices improve collaboration and workforce productivity, 90% say outdated devices limit their ability to adopt new technologies, and 94% say AI PCs and modern endpoints will play an important role in their organisation’s future workplace strategy.
Security and resilience remains central. With 98%Â of Irish respondents expecting security to be included in every proposal from a strategic technology partner, and 92%Â saying integrated data protection and cyber recovery capabilities are important criteria when evaluating infrastructure platforms.
For organisations in Ireland the takeaway is clear: the next phase of transformation will depend on modern infrastructure, trusted data, intelligent devices and cyber resilience working together to support AI at scale.
Speaking at Dell Technologies Forum, Mark Hopkins, MD of Dell Technologies Ireland said: “Dell Technologies Forum Dublin reflected the priorities now shaping boardroom and technology conversations across Ireland. AI is no longer a separate innovation agenda. It is becoming part of how organisations compete, operate and grow. To scale it effectively, businesses need modern infrastructure, trusted data, intelligent devices, embedded security and the right expertise working together. Whether in business or elite sport, sustained performance depends on having the right foundations in place.
 “The message from this year’s Forum is clear: organisations that modernise with resilience, simplicity and measurable outcomes in mind will be better positioned for the next phase of digital growth
