On 23 and 24 November 2026, the FARI Brussels Conference returns for its fifth edition under the theme “Brussels, Capital of AI?”.
Organised by FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute, a joint initiative of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), the two-day conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, public administrations, entrepreneurs, companies, civil society organisations, students, and citizens at Flagey and BeCentral in Brussels.
The conference is free to attend, with registration required.
What would it mean for Brussels to become a capital of AI?
Artificial intelligence has become a strategic priority for cities and regions across Europe. From London and Paris to Helsinki and Brussels, many ecosystems are seeking to attract talent, strengthen research, support startups and position themselves in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
However, the idea of an “AI capital” raises broader questions. Is such a capital defined by investment and technological innovation alone? Or should research excellence, political influence, public-sector innovation and societal impact matter just as much?
Brussels offers a particularly interesting case. It brings together internationally recognised universities and research communities, European institutions, public administrations, startups, companies and civil society organisations. At the same time, it is a city where many of the rules and policies shaping the future of AI in Europe are discussed and implemented.
Therefore, the FARI Brussels Conference 2026 will look beyond competition between cities. Instead, it will explore what kind of AI ecosystem Brussels could build, who should benefit from it, and how responsible innovation, collaboration, and public value can become part of its identity.
23 November: opening the debate at Flagey
The first day of the conference will take place at Studio 4 at Flagey and will bring together Belgian and international speakers for a series of keynotes, panel discussions, demonstrations and networking moments.
The programme will explore the conference theme from several perspectives, including the impact of AI on local economies, the emergence of AI hubs across Europe, and the strengths Brussels already brings together in artificial intelligence, data and robotics.
Moreover, discussions will address research, entrepreneurship, employment, skills, public-sector transformation, governance, inclusion and the wider societal impact of AI.
Speakers will include representatives from academia, public institutions, European organisations, industry, entrepreneurship and civil society, offering different perspectives on how cities can develop strong AI ecosystems while remaining connected to local needs.
Have a look at the programme for the first day of the FARI Brussels Conference.
Recognising AI with local impact
Beyond the strategic discussions, the first day will also feature the inaugural FARI Brussels Local Impact Award.
The award recognises projects using AI, data, robotics or digital technologies to create meaningful public value for Brussels and its communities.
More specifically, it highlights initiatives that demonstrate how technological innovation can contribute to areas such as public services, sustainability, inclusion, health, cities and responsible digital transformation.
The winning project will be recognised during the conference and receive a FARI Brussels Local Impact Award trophy, visibility through FARI’s communication channels and the opportunity to showcase its work to the FARI community.
Learn more about the FARI Brussels Local Impact Award.
24 November: from discussion to practice
On Tuesday 24 November, the conference will continue at FARI and BeCentral with a programme focused on entrepreneurship, demonstrations, research and practical applications of AI, data and robotics.
One of the main highlights will be the FARI AI Accelerator Final Pitch & Graduation.
Fourteen startups from the 2026 cohort will present their AI-driven projects to a jury of venture capitalists and ecosystem experts. Following the pitches, Q&A sessions and jury deliberations, one of the teams will be selected as the 2026 FARI AI Accelerator winner, marking the conclusion of several months of acceleration, mentorship and entrepreneurial support.
At the same time, the second day will give participants opportunities to discover AI, data and robotics in more concrete settings.
The programme will include technology and robotics demonstrations, Data Walks through Brussels, Digital and Policy Twin showcases, sessions around AI governance, data spaces and other specialised workshops and exchanges.
As several activities will run in parallel, participants will be able to explore different parts of the Brussels AI ecosystem according to their interests.
Have a look at the programme for the second day of the FARI Brussels Conference.
Five editions of bringing Brussels’ AI ecosystem together
The FARI Brussels Conference is the annual flagship event of FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute.
Founded by ULB and VUB, FARI brings together interdisciplinary expertise in artificial intelligence, data and robotics and connects academic research with public administrations, companies, civil society and citizens.
In this context, the conference creates a space where different communities can meet, exchange perspectives and discuss both the opportunities and the societal questions created by emerging technologies.
After welcoming more than 8900 participants in 2025, the fifth edition will broaden the discussion further by looking not only at how AI is transforming society, but also at the role Brussels can play in shaping its development.
Finally, the FARI Brussels Conference 2026 will take place on:
23 November 2026 — Flagey, Brussels
24 November 2026 — FARI & BeCentral, Brussels
Participation is free, with registration required. Some Day 2 activities have limited capacity or require separate registration.
Programme and registration: conference.fari.brussels
