DPTC Innovation Summit 2025
ReThink Food: Exploring Innovation at the Heart of Ireland’s Food Sector
Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025
Theme: Transforming Irish Food Through Innovation, Technology & Sustainability
08:30 – 09:00 | Arrival & Registration
Registration, Networking & Exhibition Walkthrough
Welcome coffee and opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies and meet solution providers.
09:00 – 09:10 | Opening Address: Reimagining Innovation in Irish Food
Dr Anne Marie Henihan, Director, DPTC
Setting the tone: shaking up how we innovate, collaborate, and future-proof the Irish food sector.
Session 1: Laying the Foundations for Transformation
09:10 – 10:40 | Setting the Scene
09:10 – 10:00 | Innovation Mindsets: The Human Drivers of Change
Aidan McCullen – Permanent Reinvention
Thriving Through Change: Why the Old Powers the New.
Dr Helena Boschi – The Psychology of Innovation
Unlocking creative potential and building resilient innovation cultures.
10:00 – 10:40 | Strategic Outlook: Opportunities & Challenges Ahead
Prof. Stephen Kinsella – “When We Need Not Eat”
Exploring the economic drivers of food innovation and disruption.
David Kennedy, Bord Bia – What’s Next for Irish Innovation?
Export opportunities, sustainability drivers, and consumer expectations.
10:40 – 11:20 | Networking Break & Exhibition Showcase
Dedicated time to engage with exhibitors, explore technologies, and connect with peers.
Session 2: Innovation in Action
11:20 – 13:30 | Technology, Entrepreneurship & Sectoral Transformation
11:20 – 11:35 | Smart Systems: AI for Sustainable Food Futures
Speaker from CeADAR
Green Intelligence: Balancing AI Innovation with Environmental Impact
11:35 – 12:10 | Entrepreneurial Edge: Innovation from Ireland’s SMEs
Chair: Gary Fox – Host, The Entrepreneur Experiment Podcast
Panelists:
Niall Harty, All Real Nutrition
Dr Mary O’Riordan, Happe Earth
- Additional SME innovators
- Snappy case studies on innovation, scaling, and market disruption.
12:10 – 12:25 | Fireside Chat: Orla Mitchell
Orla Mitchell – Experienced CMO at Mars, Former CEO at WaterWipes
Moderator: Dr Anne Marie Henihan
Leading with Purpose: From Global Brands to Irish Innovation
12:25 – 12:40 | Keynote: Future Dairy Innovation
Prof. Thom Huppertz, FrieslandCampina
Smarter Science, Stronger Systems
Exploring how cutting-edge dairy science can unlock new value, improve sustainability, and shape the future of the sector.
12:40 – 13:20 | Panel: Forging the Future of Dairy
Chair: Jim Bergin – Former CEO, Tirlán
Panelists:
Kevin Maher, DSI
David Kennedy, Bord Bia
Nicola O’Connell, Ernst & Young
A forward-looking discussion on the future of dairy innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
13:20 – 13:30 | Closing Remarks
Dr Anne Marie Henihan, Director, DPTC
Reflecting on the day’s insights, key takeaways, and the collaborative path forward for transforming Irish food through innovation.
13:30 – 14:15 | Networking Lunch & Exhibition Showcase
Enjoy lunch while continuing conversations with speakers, exhibitors, and fellow attendees. A final opportunity to explore the innovation showcase and build meaningful connections.
For more information, contact info@dptc.ie or visit DPTC.ie
