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NI-Blockchain - 2nd Summit, 12 February 2026

12 February | Belfast
Blockchain AI Sustainability

NI-Blockchain is the infrastructure layer for growing on-chain future. It exists to connect students, founders, industry and investors into one coordinated, chain-neutral ecosystem - bridging academia with real-world Web3 opportunities and building a permanent community on the ground in Belfast that integrates directly into the wider all-island innovation network. It is ambitious, future-focused and built to serve as the funnel, platform and meeting point for the next generation of blockchain builders emerging from Northern Ireland.
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Origin Story

The initiative began when paths crossed between Vishal Sharma and Ian Mitchell on their respective journeys towards a common goal - bringing together bright minds to build a more sustainable Web3 and on-chain future. Both recognised the same gap: Northern Ireland had talent, but no on-the-ground blockchain community, no structured education pipeline and no bridge from universities into real industry and ecosystem opportunities. NI-Blockchain was founded to fill that gap - by uniting academia, founders, industry and global ecosystems into a single collaborative, chain-neutral structure.

Mission

Educate, connect and empower the current and next generation of blockchain founders, builders, investors and developers in Northern Ireland, and integrate them into the broader all-island Web3 ecosystem.

Vision (10-Year)

The vision for NI-Blockchain extends far beyond the current founding members and structure. We are building the foundations for a self-sustaining organisation with elected leadership, recognised as Ireland’s primary on-chain talent and innovation infrastructure - hosting major annual events, driving education and academic modules across universities, and producing the strongest pipeline of blockchain founders and engineers on the island of Ireland.

Ethos

  • Collaboration between academia and industry
  • Open access and inclusivity
  • Community-led
  • Chain neutrality
  • Future-focused and education-driven

Value Exchange

  • Students: access to ecosystems, founders, mentors, projects, internships and real startup opportunities.
  • Universities: visibility, modules, industry alignment, relevance to emerging tech.
  • Companies: early access to talent, education, R&D awareness and community engagement.
  • Founders: community support, talent funnel, ecosystem connectivity and early collaborators.
  • Investors: exposure to emerging founders, early-stage deal flow and academic alignment.
  • Ecosystems: legitimacy, access to talent pools, collaboration with universities and founders.
  • Sponsors: brand presence across academia, industry and the island’s Web3 talent network.

What NI-Blockchain Is Not

  • Not a student club.
  • Not a Web2 startup incubator.
  • Not ecosystem-aligned or agenda-driven.
  • Not a one-off event.

It is a lasting, neutral, open infrastructure layer.


View Full Schedule

The Summit Begins In

Timeline & Schedule

Continuously updating ...
Opening
09:30 — 10:00

Registration

Computer Science Building, Queen's University Belfast

Please confirm your Luma registration and acknowledge the videography & photography disclaimer for the event.

Introductions
10:00 — 10:10

Introductions to the Summit

Dr Vishal Sharma (QUB) and Mr Ian Mitchell (AIB)

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

A brief intro to the Summit's agenda and vision.

Keynote Speaker
10:10 — 10:30

Prof Bill Buchanan, OBE

Edinburgh Napier University

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on the trust-explicit systems and blockchain ecosystem.

Lightning Talk - 1
10:30 — 10:40

Solana Superteam Ireland

Mr Alejandro Gutierrez

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on the Solana ecosystem.

Panel - 1
10:45 — 11:15

AI Panel

Pytilia (Mr Shane Mulholland)
PwC (Mr Richard Newman and Mr Philip McDonough)
Momentum One-Zero (Prof Paul Miller)
Intrinsic AI (Mr Jerry Staple)

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Deeper discussions on the AI ecosystem.
Moderator: Prof Jesus Martinez del Rincon (QUB)

Lightning Talk - 2
11:15 — 11:25

Base

Mr Evan Slattery

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on the Base ecosystem.

Lightning Talk - 3
11:25 — 11:35

ETH Dublin

Mr Caolán Walsh

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on the ETH ecosystem.

Lightning Talk - 4
11:35 — 11:45

Ctrl Alt

Mr Jack Spargo

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on the application-based utilisation of L2 protocols.

Panel - 2
11:45 — 12:15

Sustainability Panel

Ulster University (Dr Chiara Salaris)
Momentum One-Zero (Dr Stephen McCabe)
Campfire (Mr Stuart Schneller)
Carbonfit (Mr Ben Craig)

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Deeper discussions on the Sustainability ecosystem.
Moderator: Mr Sunil Mistry (RIFFL)

Lunch
12:15 — 13:30

Lunch

First Floor Foyer, Computer Science Building

Enjoy your meal from a wide range of specially crafted buffet.

Panel - 3
13:30 — 14:00

Blockchain Panel - 1

Base (Mr Evan Slattery)
Eth Dublin (Mr Caolán Walsh)
Cardano (Mr Jide Fashola)
Avalanche (Mr Karl Timmins)

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Deeper discussions on DLTs and support for SMEs and other broader organisations.
Moderator: Mr Alejandro Gutierrez (Solana Superteam Ireland)

Lightning Talk - 5
14:00 — 14:10

Avalanche

Mr Karl Timmins

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on AVAX ecosystem and applications.

Lightning Talk - 6
14:10 — 14:20

pQCee

Dr Teik Guan Tan

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on quantum and post-quantum ecosystem and applications.

Lightning Talk - 7
14:20 — 14:30

Thales (UK)

Dr Scot Davidson

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on Thales most recent AI research and applications.

Lightning Talk - 8
14:30 — 14:40

Cardano

Mr Jide Fashola

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on the current landscape of Cardano and the future of the ecosystem.

Panel - 4
14:40 — 15:10

Blockchain Panel - 2

Colonii (Ms Aileen Carville)
Keel (Mr Cian Breathnach)
Ctrl Alt (Mr Jack Spargo)
QUB (Prof Hans Vandierendonck)

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Deeper discussions on whole blockchain ecosystem and reflections on the AI and sustainability panels.
Moderator: Ms Fannya R Sandjaja (QUB)

Investment MasterClass
15:10 — 15:30

Norio Ventures

Mr Pete Townsend

Software Studios, Computer Science Building

Expert talk on the funding landscape and raising your first round.

Networking - 1
15:30 — 16:30

Demos and Conclusion

Pytilia, PwC, Solana Superteam Ireland, Base, Sourcing Lens, Ctrl Alt, pQCee, QUB, and others ...

First Floor Foyer, Computer Science Building

Networking and demonstrations

Post-Event Networking - 2
17:00 onwards

Solana Superteam Ireland Sponsored Post Event Networking

Post House, Next to the Computer Science Building

Networking and drinks

Continuously updating ...

Topics & Sessions – Three Core Tracks

Blockchain

On-Chain, trust & architecture

AI

Future systems with agentic AI

Sustainability

Systems thinking into resourceful future

Speakers and Demonstrations

Showcase and witness groundbreaking innovations in action from leading blockchain, AI, and sustainability companies shaping tomorrow.

NI Blockhain Committee

General Chairs

Academia: Vishal Sharma, QUB

Industry: Ian Mitchell, AIB

Technical Committee

Alejandro Gutierrez, Solana Superteam Ireland

Evan Slattery, Base

Pete Townsend, Norio Ventures

Stephen McCabe, Momentum OneZero

Karen Rafferty, QUB

Jesus Martinez del Rincon, QUB

Reza Rafiee, QUB

Teik Tan Guan, pQCee

Solana Superteam Ireland Sponsored Networking Nexus

Forge Future Partnerships

After panels and demos, NI-Blockchain Summit transforms into a curated networking environment designed to spark collaborations across AI, blockchain, and sustainability.

Curated Connections

Enable your technology mode and connect with the right specialists and founders.

Rapid Connections

With students, founders, industry and investors in attendance, continue the conversations and take the opportunity to build your network with like-minded individuals

From the Vault - 1st Summit

Event Participants

Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 1 Logo Sponsor 2 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo Sponsor 3 Logo

more names to appear shortly ...

Our Sponsors

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