Policymakers, researchers and industry leaders gathered at AI Summit Budapest 2026 to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) development, governance and applications as the technology rapidly reshapes economies and societies.
The two-day summit brought together more than 300 speakers for discussions ranging from frontier AI models and digital infrastructure to governance and practical applications.
Opening the summit, Hungary’s Minister for Innovation and Technology Zoltan Tanacs described AI as a technology that lies “between two extremes” — “salvation or total catastrophe.” He said governments should embrace innovation while putting appropriate safeguards in place as AI capabilities advance.
As part of its AI strategy, Hungary plans to invest 500 million euros (581.2 U.S. dollars) in AI development programs over the coming years and join the European AI Gigafactory initiative, which aims to strengthen Europe’s AI computing infrastructure.
Tanacs said Hungary also plans to expand AI education and university research, attract leading AI developers and improve AI literacy among businesses and the public.
The summit also explored the growing use of AI in business and industry.
While opinions differed on how AI should develop and how it should be regulated, participants broadly agreed that closer international cooperation and wider access to AI technologies will be essential to ensuring that the technology benefits society.
The fourth edition of the summit was held across three venues with 15 parallel tracks, bringing together nearly 4,000 attendees.
