IoT Belfast 33: IoT Innovation, AI Governance & the Policies That Power It
Details
IoTBelfast is partnering with ACT | Association for Competitive Technology and Catalyst to bring ACT’s 'Developed Tour' to Belfast on Monday, 1st June 2026.
This special edition event will explore how evolving policy, regulation, cybersecurity, and data governance requirements are shaping the real-world deployment of AI, connected systems, and emerging technologies, particularly within regulated industries and public-sector environments.
Designed for founders, engineers, product leaders, policymakers, and technology professionals, the evening will combine practical discussion with networking across Belfast’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The event will take place at Catalyst on Bedford Street, in the heart of Belfast’s technology and startup community.
Attendance is free, with food and refreshments provided.
About Developed: UK
This event is part of Developed: UK, an event series that brings together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to discuss local startup realities and how UK- level policy decisions increasingly shape the way teams build, launch, and scale.
The goal is to build a stronger cross-border community, discuss what’s working (and what isn’t) for tech innovators, and carry those insights and relationships from the Developed: UK Tour into broader conversations about digital policy and competitiveness in London.
About the Association for Competitive Technology (ACT)
ACT is a global membership organisation representing technology startups, scaleups, and independent developers building across the digital economy.
We work with our members and governments around the world to advocate for policies that reward and inspire tech-driven innovation while providing resources to help you raise capital, scale globally, and create jobs.
Agenda
- 6:30 PM - Informal networking & refreshments
- 7:00 PM - Welcome & opening remarks from opening remarks from Stephen Tulip, UK Country Manager, ACT | Association for Competitive Technology
- 7:15 PM - Moderated panel discussion & Q&A
- 8:00 PM - Networking
- 8:30 PM - Optional pints nearby at The Linen Hall Bar.
Panel Discussion
The panel will explore how governance, cybersecurity, regulation, and operational requirements are increasingly influencing the way AI, connected systems, and modern digital platforms are designed, deployed, and managed in real-world environments.
Topics will include:
- AI governance and emerging regulation
- Data governance, trust, and privacy
- Cybersecurity and operational resilience
- Public-sector and regulated technology deployment
- Responsible innovation and AI adoption at scale
- The practical impact of policy on engineering, product, and delivery teams
The discussion will be moderated by Alex Cooke, Senior Director for Global Membership at ACT | Association for Competitive Technology.
Panellists:
Marc Nevin - Head of Emerging Technology at Kainos.
Bio: Marc is an Innovation Leader at Kainos, experienced at helping organisations take emerging technology from ambition to delivery across Healthcare, Public and Private sector. He’s involved in industry bodies including TechUK’s Emerging Tech Committee and the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance's AI and Innovation working group. Marc brings a practical lens on innovation with governance and trust in production environments.
Keith Brown - Head of AI & Digital Technologies in the Department for the Economy (DfE).
Bio: Keith is Head of Digital Technologies in the Department for the Economy leading on the Software & Cyber and Fintech & Financial Services priority sector action plans. Previously he set up the Ministerial AI Advisory Panel, and the Sub-Regional Economic Action Plan and associated £45m fund.
Martin Naughton - Managing Director at Galvia Digital.
Bio: Martin Naughton is the Belfast-based managing director of Galvia Digital. With more than 25 years’ experience across energy, logistics, manufacturing, aerospace, and utilities, he specialises in building IoT, AI, and automation software solutions that help AMER & EMEA organisations modernise operations and accelerate digital transformation.
More panellists to be announced soon.
Event Details
Date: Monday 1st June 2026
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Catalyst, Bedford Street, Belfast
IoTBelfast events are facilitated by Martin Naughton & Galvia Digital. If you have any questions about an event, or if you're interested in speaking or hosting a future meetup, please get in touch info@galviadigital.com.
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