AI, defense technology will take center stage at the South Summit Madrid 2026
Artificial Intelligence (AI), initial investment and defense technologies will be the focus of the South Summit Madrid 2026, an international forum for business and innovation that is expected to gather more than 600 speakers, investors, start-ups and companies from around the world next month.
The three-day event, scheduled for June 3-5 at La Nave in Madrid, is co-organized by IE University and will focus on “AI Convergence,” highlighting how AI is reshaping industries, capital, manufacturing and business models.
About 30 unicorn companies are expected to participate, according to organizers.
South Summit describes itself as a global platform that connects startups, investors, companies and institutions to develop business opportunities within the innovation ecosystem.
Organizers said the event has collected more than 42,500 startups in the past 14 editions, and its First Competition produced more than 1,500 final startups with an 85% survival rate and more than $20.5 billion in revenue.
South Summit said AI accounted for 61% of global investment in 2025, up from 30% in 2022, reflecting what it described as “a rapid shift in the priorities of investors, startups, companies and institutions.”
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a technology: it is a force that redefines the way we invest, how we build companies, how we compete and how we think about the future of Europe,” said South Summit founder and President Marna Benjumea in a statement.
Organizers said the conference will explore the impact of AI on investment, business, defense, sustainability, management and productivity amid increasing global competition for technological development and innovation.
The event will also include a “Defense & AI” track that brings together NATO’s innovation leaders through its DIANA defense accelerator program, as well as startups and investors working in cybersecurity, autonomous systems, infrastructure protection and dual-use technologies.
The South Summit said the focus on defense technology reflects Europe’s efforts to strengthen technological independence and reduce dependence on foreign technology in key sectors.
Juan José Güemes, vice president of IE University, said the event will once again position Madrid as “the world capital of entrepreneurship and innovation.”
“At our institution, as co-organizers, it is a matter of pride to facilitate a meeting that demonstrates our commitment to Artificial Intelligence as a driver of change, and our entrepreneurial DNA,” he said.
Jesús Herrero, CEO of Red.es, said that AI has “redefined the competitiveness of countries and the ability of our companies to innovate.”
“To lead this change, we must train, attract and retain talent, but also bet on business as an important driver for developing an ambitious environmental system,” he said.
Confirmed speakers include GoogleX founder Sebastian Thrun, investor Kim Perell and Female Invest founder Anna Hartvigsen.
South Summit and PwC also released a report ahead of the conference discussing the growing role of AI in venture capital and environmental startups, particularly in healthcare and defense.
The South Summit also expanded its presence in Latin America, holding events in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
Organizers said the 2026 program in Brazil attracted more than 24,000 people from 70 countries, as well as 3,000 startups and more than 1,000 investors with an investment portfolio of 250 billion. – Arjay L. Balinbin
