As artificial intelligence rapidly moves from buzzword to backbone of modern business, knowing how to start strategically with AI—and where to find investment—has never been more critical. That’s why we are proud to present a high-impact panel at the upcoming Innovation Conference in Dublin on Tuesday, June 17, at the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC), dedicated to this exact theme.

Titled “How to Start with AI and Investment Opportunities for AI Startups,” the third panel will explore how founders, SMEs, and innovators can move from AI curiosity to execution, with the added lens of investment readiness. Moderated by IPBN member and Strategic Growth Advisor Carlos Justino, the discussion will feature three leaders at the forefront of AI adoption, business innovation, and scale-up strategy.

Carlos Justino, an experienced AI Adoption & Strategic Growth Advisor, will guide the conversation. With a career built on helping businesses harness data, hyper-personalised marketing, and technology to drive sustainable growth, Carlos brings a practitioner’s perspective to digital transformation. He has worked across industries to help organisations unlock potential through AI-powered insights and systems. His passion for demystifying AI and making it actionable makes him a natural fit to moderate this practical, solutions-driven session.

Joining the panel is Sam Marchetti, founder of IPBN member company ConsortiaCo and a Business Innovation Specialist known for his systems-thinking approach to sustainable growth. Sam’s work spans national and European enterprise ecosystems, where he designs multi-layer innovation models for communities, SMEs, and the public sector. His emphasis on Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing as essential drivers of professional and organisational development brings a holistic, human-centered view to the AI conversation. With deep engagement in the EU’s Green, Just, and Digital Transitions, Sam will offer insights into where funding and innovation efforts can—and should—converge.

The panel also features Mark Kelly, a globally recognised authority on AI transformation and the founder of AI Ireland, a community of more than 10,000 AI professionals. Mark is known for his rare ability to distill the complex language of AI into clear, actionable roadmaps that empower everyone from start-ups to government agencies. With four books on AI, more than 100 five-star reviews for his speaking and consulting, and a mission to make AI accessible and ethical, Mark’s insights are grounded in real-world application and strategic foresight. As Microsoft President Brad Smith once remarked, Mark has the unique ability to “explain a complex message while holding the rapt attention of 600 people”—a skill he will no doubt bring to the stage at the GEC.

Together, these speakers will tackle the core questions facing today’s entrepreneurs: How do you begin with AI in a way that’s sustainable and scalable? What investment trends are shaping the future of AI innovation? And what role do ethics, wellbeing, and emotional intelligence play in building a responsible AI-driven business?

As part of the wider IPBN Innovation Conference, this panel sits within a program designed to bridge practical application with strategic thinking, showcasing real-life AI use cases and insights from experts across Ireland and Portugal. With networking opportunities before, during, and after the event—including a light lunch (available for €25)—attendees will have the chance to engage directly with speakers, sponsors, and peers alike.

Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for capital to grow your next AI-powered venture, this panel will provide the clarity, connection, and confidence needed to take the next step.

Registration is free and open to both IPBN members and non-members. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected voices shaping AI innovation across borders.