The Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 that is taking place in Dublin this week is an opportunity to showcase "Ireland's achievements and ambitions" in the bioeconomy sector.

That is according to director of Teagasc Prof. Frank O'Mara, who said the summit will allow the Irish bioeconomy sector to "strengthen international collaboration".

The Global Bioeconomy Summit (GBS) is taking place today (Tuesday, October 20) and tomorrow (Wednesday, October 21) in the Convention Centre with related events taking place yesterday (Monday, October 19) and Thursday (October 22).

The event is one of the world's leading forums for bioeconomy policy, research, innovation and collaboration.

The summit is being attended by policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, investors and civil society representatives from around the world.

The event is organised by the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.

Ireland was selected to host GBS 2026 following the previous Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2024.

Teagasc said the choice of Ireland reflects the country's "growing international reputation in bioeconomy policy, research, innovation and circular economy solutions".

Over 1,500 in-person participants from across Europe and the world are expected at the event, with the aim of exchanging knowledge, developing partnerships and speeding up the transition towards the bioeconomy.

Commenting on the event, Teagasc director Prof. O'Mara 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," O'Mara added.

"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," he said.

Teagasc will have a dedicated stand at the event, and one of the several 'site visits' on Thursday will be to the Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin.

Dr. Órlaith Ní Choncubhair, member of the IACGB and senior research officer in Teagasc, said: "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.

"We look forward to welcoming and engaging with the international bioeconomy community across the four days of this pivotal event," Dr. Ní Choncubhair added.