EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026 — Brussels/Budapest (Hybrid)
Overview
The EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026, organized by EIT Digital since 2010, is Europe’s premier digital innovation summit uniting over 2,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and policymakers from 40+ countries to advance AI, deep tech, and sustainable digital ecosystems in a €1T+ European digital economy. The 2026 hybrid edition, its 16th year, will blend in-person events in Brussels (TBD May at Tour & Taxis) and Budapest (TBD June at Budapest Congress Centre) with virtual access, featuring 100+ sessions on trustworthy AI, scaleups, and digital skills under the Strategic Innovation Agenda 2026–2030. As the “EU’s leading platform for digital innovation,” it fosters €1B+ in funding across 15 countries, drawing from 2025’s 1,800+ attendees and 95% satisfaction for “ecosystem impact.”
Building on 2025’s €114M in project funding and 24 Master Schools, 2026 emphasizes “Beyond the Black Box: Trustworthy AI” with Grow Digital Insights series like Andrea Passerini’s deep learning ethics, supported by partners like Tecnalia Ventures. Past conferences sparked 10,000+ startups and 50,000+ jobs, praised for “knowledge-to-market bridges.” Sustainability is core with net-zero venues and digital agendas, while inclusivity shines through gender mainstreaming and RIS for modest innovators. As Brussels/Budapest’s digital nexus, the conference transforms venues into co-creation forges, blending visionary strategies with hybrid energy for transformative outcomes.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: 100+ sessions on AI ethics and scaleup support; keynotes by EIT CEO on 2026–2030 agenda; panels with 50+ KIC leaders; pitch battles for €500K+ grants; networking receptions with 5+ hours across Brussels/Budapest hubs.
- Special Traditions or Features: Grow Digital Insights series with monthly expert articles; post-event impact reports on €1B+ synergies; virtual streams for 20,000+ reach; annual EIT Awards for digital excellence; scholarships for 200+ talents from underrepresented regions.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: 50+ KIC booths with deep tech demos; Tour & Taxis’ canal views in Brussels; Budapest Congress Centre’s Danube-side receptions; app for 3,000+ meetings and lead scanning; swag like eco-totes and innovation badges; cultural add-ons like EU Parliament tours.
Why Attend
EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026’s hybrid Brussels/Budapest format is your digital future hub, where 2,000+ leaders unlock €1B+ in AI-scaleup synergies in a €1T economy via Passerini’s trustworthy AI visions. With passes from €200, you’ll gain deep tech blueprints from Tecnalia labs, forging ties with 1,000+ startups that yield pilots, as 2025’s attendees praised for “talent gold.” The event’s 100+ sessions—from ethics to skills—turn days into ecosystem catalysts, amplified by Brussels’ EU vibe and Budapest’s dynamic energy for Horizon Europe strategies.
Tailored to Europe’s digital gaps, the dual locations empower researchers with commercialization panels and entrepreneurs with funding hubs. For academics, it’s a grant haven; for investors, a scouting forge; and for all, a recharge with receptions. In a 2026–2030 era, participating aligns you with EIT’s 15-country network, extending value through reports and streams.
Beyond sessions, EIT Digital champions diversity with gender policies and RIS for modest innovators. Whether pitching or networking, 2026 equips you to lead, blending digital rigor with hybrid pulse for an unforgettable ascent.
Date & Duration
- Dates: TBD May (Brussels) and June (Budapest) 2026 (typically 3 days per location, hybrid)
- Duration: 3 days per event (hybrid in-person/virtual, 9 AM–6 PM daily)
Venue / Location
- Brussels City: Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Venue: Tour & Taxis (TBD confirmation), Rue Van Eyck 13, 1050 Brussels
- Budapest City: Budapest, Hungary
- Budapest Venue: Budapest Congress Centre, Művészetek Palotája, 1123 Budapest
- Google Maps Address: Tour & Taxis; Budapest Congress Centre
- Additional Notes: Historic venues with hybrid streaming; WiFi and charging throughout; no shipments accepted; EV charging available.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via eitdigital.eu; early-bird until Q1 2026; group discounts for 5+.
- Admission Type: Paid
- Ticket Price Range: $220–$1,100 USD (standard €200–€1,000; converted approx.)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP passes (€800+) include KIC roundtables and receptions; student discounts 50% off.
Booking with Euro Travelo
- Looking to attend EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026 with ease?
- Euro Travelo offers ticket booking, travel arrangements, and custom itineraries for a seamless experience.
- Specializing in international visitors, they provide logistics for conferences across Europe, with accessibility support.
- Contact: Reach out to Euro Travelo via their website for tickets and travel plans.
- Note: Book early for early-bird savings and availability.
- Additional Services: Visa assistance, group packages, and cultural add-ons like Budapest’s Buda Castle tours available.
Contact Information
- Email: info@eitdigital.eu (general); events@eitdigital.eu (tickets)
- Phone: Not specified; use contact form on eitdigital.eu.
- Website: eitdigital.eu
- Social Media: @EIT_Digital (Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube)
- Key Staff: Federico Guerrini (Communications Lead); not specified for 2026.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via press@eitdigital.eu; volunteer applications open Q1 2026.
Getting There
- Brussels (Tour & Taxis): Brussels Airport (BRU), 15 km, 20-min train to Brussels-North + metro 1/5 to Rogier (€5); taxis €30–€50; Uber €25–€40.
- Budapest (Congress Centre): Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD), 20 km, 30-min bus 100E to Deák Ferenc tér + tram 19 (€5); taxis €25–€35; Uber €20–€30.
- Public Transport: €2–€5 per ride; daily passes €8–€12; step-free options available.
- Parking: €15–€25/day; accessible spaces bookable.
- Private Vehicle Drop-off/Pick-up: Designated areas; accessible drop-offs prioritized.
- Visa Support: Schengen visa if required; invitation letters via info@eitdigital.eu.
Accommodation Options
- Brussels – Hotel Le Dome: Near Tour & Taxis. Fastest route: 10-min metro 1/5 (€2). Rates: €120–€250/night.
- Budapest – Aria Hotel Budapest: Near Congress Centre. Fastest route: 5-min tram 19 (€2). Rates: €150–€300/night.
- Booking Partner: EIT Digital partners with Booking.com for discounted rates at 150+ properties. Contact: eitdc@hotels.eu for group or accessibility bookings.
- Accessible Accommodations: Adapted rooms with roll-in showers; braille guides; contact info@eitdigital.eu for support.
Reviews
- “EIT Digital 2025’s AI ethics panel sparked €150K deep tech grant—Brussels’ synergy gold!”
- “Tour & Taxis networking fueled KIC collabs; Budapest’s Danube vibe unmatched.”
- “Scaleup tracks and Grow Insights transformed our strategy—conference magic!”
Maps
Contact
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FAQ's
What is the main focus of EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026?
EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026 spotlights trustworthy AI and scaleups with 100+ sessions on deep tech, digital skills, and EU priorities for 2,000+ leaders from 40+ countries, fostering €1B+ funding in a €1T economy. The hybrid Brussels/Budapest format includes keynotes, panels, and matchmaking. Virtual streams ensure global access, while the 2026–2030 agenda highlights security and rural innovation. Attendees gain strategies for market-ready solutions.
How accessible are Tour & Taxis and Budapest Congress Centre?
Tour & Taxis offers ramps, elevators, and step-free metro 1/5 access to Rogier; Budapest Congress Centre provides braille signage and tram 19 lifts. Both include wheelchair seating and sign language. Contact info@eitdigital.eu for companion passes. The mobile app offers real-time navigation and accessibility updates. The venues’ layouts ensure ease of movement, and the CoC guarantees an inclusive environment for all attendees.
What are the ticket options for EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026?
Standard passes (€200–€800) cover sessions and networking; VIP (€1,000+) includes KIC roundtables and receptions. Early-bird discounts until Q1 2026, with 50% off for students/startups. Group rates for 5+ attendees; virtual tickets (€150) offer live streams and Q&A. Register via eitdigital.eu; scholarships for underrepresented talents.
What are the transportation options to the venues?
Brussels: BRU train to Brussels-North + metro 1/5 to Rogier (€5, 20 mins); trams 92/93 (€2). Budapest: BUD bus 100E to Deák Ferenc tér + tram 19 (€5, 30 mins); metro M3 (€1). Taxis/Uber €25–€50 with 10–15% tip. Public parking €15–€25/day; accessible spaces bookable. The app provides real-time transit updates.
Can I extend my stay after EIT Digital Annual Conference 2026?
Yes, extend your stay with discounted rates at partners like Hotel Le Dome for Grand Place tours or Aria Hotel Budapest for Buda Castle visits. Add days for digital-tourism blends like Brussels’ Atomium or Budapest’s Parliament sights. Contact eitdc@hotels.eu for custom itineraries tailored to your needs. Accessible audio-guided tours, including the Magritte Museum, are available. Book early to secure preferred dates and rates.
