Teagasc showcases bioeconomy leadership at Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 in Dublin

Pictured at the Teagasc Stand at the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 (at the Convention Centre, Dublin today were (left to right): Mujahid Khan, Ricardo Uribe Alvarez, Kieran Harrahill, (former Walsh Scholar), Tom Houlihan,  John Upton,  Órlaith Ní Choncubhair, Mark Fenelon (all Teagasc)

The Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 is being attended by policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, investors and civil society representatives from around the world as they explore how the bioeconomy can contribute to sustainable economic development, climate action, food security and rural development. It is organised by the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE).

Ireland was selected to host GBS 2026 following the previous Summit in Nairobi in 2024, reflecting the country’s growing international reputation in bioeconomy policy, research, innovation and circular economy solutions. The event will attract more than 1,500 in person participants from across Europe and around the world, creating an important platform to exchange knowledge, develop partnerships and accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, said: “The Global Bioeconomy Summit provides a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland’s achievements and ambitions in developing a sustainable bioeconomy. Teagasc has played a central role in advancing bioeconomy research, innovation and stakeholder engagement in Ireland, and we are delighted to contribute to an event that brings together expertise and perspectives from across the world. The Summit offers an important opportunity to strengthen international collaboration and to explore practical pathways for creating value from renewable biological resources while supporting climate action, rural development and economic competitiveness.”

Throughout the Summit, Teagasc staff will contribute their expertise across a range of activities, highlighting Irish and European research and innovation initiatives that support the development of sustainable bio-based value chains including:

• Contributions to interactive workshops addressing key bioeconomy challenges and opportunities;
• Participation in satellite events bringing together international policymakers and researchers, as well as sectoral and industry stakeholders;
• A dedicated Teagasc stand within the Summit exhibition hall (stand number 36), showcasing bioeconomy research, innovation and collaborative initiatives;
• Posters within the Summit exhibition hall showcasing the results of bioeconomy projects addressing topics such as marine biorefining, protein resource opportunities, fermentation technology, peat-free alternatives for horticulture, anaerobic digestion, bioeconomy technology foresight and consumer decision-making regarding bio-based products.

In addition, one of the eight site visits organised for GBS 2026 participants on Thursday 22 October will be to the Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin. This visit will showcase Teagasc’s leading bioeconomy research and demonstration facilities, highlighting how marine, plant and horticultural resources and by-products are being transformed into high-value ingredients, materials and sustainable solutions through innovation, circularity and industry collaboration.

Teagasc has been at the forefront of research and innovation, supporting the transition to a circular, climate-smart and competitive bioeconomy. Through its integrated research, advisory and education programmes, Teagasc works with farmers, foresters, communities, industry and policymakers to identify new opportunities for value creation from biological resources and to support the development of sustainable bio-based industries.

Dr. Órlaith Ní Choncubhair, member of the IACGB and Senior Research Officer in Teagasc, said: “Following very successful previous Summits in Germany and Nairobi, it is a great pleasure to see GBS 2026 come to Ireland, offering the opportunity to showcase how Ireland is innovating and advancing bioeconomy solutions for the betterment of our economy, society and planet. Examples include zero-waste marine biorefineries being developed through the AIMBIO research project, which is led by Professor Brijesh Tiwari and funded under the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Initiative. We look forward to welcoming and engaging with the international bioeconomy community across the four days of this pivotal event.”

Visitors attending GBS 2026 are encouraged to engage with Teagasc representatives throughout the week to learn more about Ireland’s bioeconomy activities and the collaborative projects helping to shape the future of sustainable food systems, renewable materials, circular value chains and rural development.

Further information on the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 can be found here