Amsterdam Startup Meetup - November 2026

⌖ Amsterdam · De Balie

Hosted by Volt There

Explore how AI can threaten, and strengthen, democracy at this English-language panel on 14 October 2026 at De Balie in Amsterdam. Hosted by Volt There, the evening moves beyond the question of whether artificial intelligence will affect democratic life to examine how society can actively shape that impact. From democratic risk to public tool Deepfakes of politicians, personalised disinformation and election microtargeting are already making it more difficult for citizens to decide what, and whom, to trust. This panel will confront those risks while also exploring a more constructive possibility: using AI and other emerging technologies to make democratic decision-making more transparent, accessible and inclusive. The conversation is inspired by “Keeping Democracy in the Race: How emerging technologies can strengthen citizen participation in democratic decision making”, a research report from the research platform Charge. Its findings consider how technology could: - Lower barriers to democratic participation - Help structure complex public discussions - Make decision-making processes more transparent - Support responsible experimentation alongside effective safeguards A central question will run through the discussion: should democratic innovators wait for legislation to catch up, or begin testing new approaches now with safeguards built in from the outset? Rather than treating regulation and innovation as opposing forces, the event will examine how they might develop together. Speakers and format The announced lineup features Reinier van Lanschot, Robin Twickler and Alexandre Ferreira Gomes. Expect an in-person evening of panel conversation, critical reflection and practical perspectives, not simply a debate about controlling AI, but an exploration of how it might be reclaimed for democratic participation. The event is relevant to people interested in AI, emerging technology, politics, citizen participation, public policy and the future of democratic institutions. The discussion will be held in English. Practical details… Register for this event

⌖ Amsterdam · Capgemini Leidsche Rijn

Hosted by Girl Code

Explore how AI is reshaping software development careers at Girl Code’s in-person Capgemini meetup in Utrecht on 15 October 2026. Coding, careers and growth in the AI era As predictions about AI-generated code become increasingly polarised, this evening asks a practical question: what does it now mean to grow as a programmer? Rather than framing AI simply as a replacement for developers, the programme will examine how it may change coding, learning, hiring, mentoring and career progression. Attendees will hear perspectives from two different career stages: an early-career or junior developer and an experienced technology leader. Topics under discussion include: - Whether AI will reduce entry-level opportunities or alter how junior developers get hired - How programmers can progress from junior to senior when AI can produce code - The growing importance of problem-solving, creativity and system design - How mentoring and coaching may need to evolve - Ways developers already use AI to learn, improve and build software - Whether software engineering roles will fundamentally change or remain recognisable The confirmed speaker is Annet Harmsen, Head of Delivery at Capgemini. Girl Code is also running an open call for a junior or early-career developer to deliver a 10–15 minute talk in English. Proposals should include a working title and a short summary and must be sent to ineke.scheffers@hotmail.com by 4 September at 12:00. Evening programme Hosted at Capgemini Leidsche Rijn, Reykjavikplein 1, Utrecht, the meetup combines talks, discussion and informal networking: - 17:30 , Walk-in and dinner - 18:30 , Girl Code introduction from Ineke Scheffers - 18:35 , Introduction to Capgemini - 18:40 , Early-career speaker slot - 19:05 , Energiser - 19:10 , Annet Harmsen, Head of Delivery at Capgemini - 19:40 , Q&A with all speakers - 20:00–21:30 , Drinks, snacks and mingling… Register for this event

Sponsors: Capgemini

⌖ Berlin · Circuit

Hosted by Circuit Event Calendar

A women-only AI coworking day in Berlin for founders, engineers, researchers, product specialists and operators actively shipping AI products. Taking place on Tuesday 13 October 2026 from 09:30 to 17:30 (GMT+2) at Circuit, this 18th edition combines focused project work with a technical deep-dive and curated networking. Bring your laptop and monitor cable, work on something you intend to ship, and expect a high-signal environment with no sales pitches. The format - 09:30: Doors open and coworking begins - 12:30: Group lunch break and curated networking - 13:15: Technical talk with Hira Siddiqui, co-founder of Plurality Network - Afternoon: Further deep work, with the published agenda noting a wrap at 18:00 You don’t own your AI memory (yet) Hira Siddiqui draws on more than a decade of work across decentralised identity, web3 and AI to examine how tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini each retain separate versions of a user’s context. The session will cover: - Where AI context lives today and who controls it - What portable, user-owned AI memory looks like in practice - How to design AI products without locking in users’ data The event is particularly relevant to women working with sensitive data or anyone cautious about placing private context into an AI chat window. It takes place on Circuit’s third floor at Möckernstraße 120. Host approval is required. Applications are curated, so be prepared to explain what you are building. Request to join.

⌖ Dublin · The Convention Centre Dublin

Hosted by The Analytics Institute

Analytics + AI Summit 2026 brings data and AI professionals to Dublin on 13 October for keynotes, practical use cases, technical labs and sector discussions. Hosted by The Analytics Institute at The Convention Centre Dublin, this full-day conference is designed to connect the people shaping how analytics and artificial intelligence are used across organisations. The summit marks 11 years of community, innovation and impact, expanding across three floors of the venue for its most ambitious edition yet. What to expect The programme combines strategic thinking with practical, real-world learning. Across multiple stages and formats, attendees can expect: - Main-stage keynotes from global thought leaders, presented in a space with capacity for more than 2,000 people - An AI UseCase Stage focused on practical applications and lessons from real implementations - Sector-led discussions created for executives and organisational decision-makers - Deep-dive AI Labs aimed at technical professionals who want more detailed, specialist content With 30+ speakers and hundreds of organisations represented, the summit offers a broad view of the current data landscape and the rapid growth of AI across sectors. Its multi-track format should help attendees choose between high-level leadership perspectives, applied examples and deeper technical exploration throughout the day. Who should attend? This event is relevant to analytics and AI professionals, technical practitioners, business leaders, executives and decision-makers. It should particularly suit people responsible for data strategy, AI adoption or implementation who want to compare approaches, learn from industry experts and understand how other sectors are responding to AI’s accelerating impact. The in-person setting also creates opportunities to meet peers from a large cross-section of organisations and build connections across the wider data and AI community. Further programme information is available on the official summit website. Event details… Register for this event

⌖ Leeds · Maughans SOYO

Hosted by Damien M.

A candid evening of founder networking, live interviews and startup conversation takes place at Maughans SOYO in Leeds on 13 October 2026. Honest conversations and useful connections Rebel Meetups by Rebellious Co brings together people who are building, running or growing something of their own. Rather than relying on formal pitches or surface-level networking, the event focuses on open discussion about the realities of startups, careers and business growth. Hosted by Damien M. alongside two other hosts, the evening runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm BST on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at Maughans SOYO, Madison East, Soyo Square, Leeds LS2 7ER. The format combines live interviews, reception drinks and time to meet other ambitious people from across the Leeds business and creative community. Attendees can also access the Meetup event chat to connect with others before the evening begins. This month’s guest Damien and co-host John Balding will interview Corey Robinson, founder of NewLig LTD. NewLig develops orthopaedic technologies designed to move reliably from initial concept through to clinical use. Corey’s work brings together design, manufacturing and surgical context early in the development process. The conversation offers an opportunity to hear how engineering discipline and clinical relevance shape the products NewLig builds, alongside broader discussion about the practical challenges of building a company, developing a career and achieving sustainable growth. Expect the evening to cover: - Real experiences from the startup and founder journey - The process of turning technical concepts into clinically relevant technologies - Building with design, manufacturing and end-use context in mind - Honest perspectives on careers, entrepreneurship and growth - Informal networking designed to lead to meaningful professional relationships Who should attend? This meetup is aimed at founders, creators, freelancers, consultants and entrepreneurs, as well as anyone currently building or growing a project, product or business in Leeds. It should also suit people who want to spend time around others taking similarly independent or unconventional paths. View the event and registration details

⌖ Birmingham · Slug & Lettuce Brindley Place

Hosted by OkGather

Meet Birmingham’s software engineers, product managers, designers, AI professionals and founders over informal drinks on 13 October 2026. Hosted by OkGather and the Birmingham Tech Network, this relaxed networking evening offers a straightforward way to have useful conversations, exchange ideas and build relationships across the local tech community. It takes place from 7pm to 10pm BST at Slug & Lettuce Brindley Place, 66 Waters Edge, in central Birmingham. Who you’ll meet The gathering is designed for people working in and around technology, including: - Software engineers and developers - Product managers - Designers and UX professionals - Data and AI specialists - Startup founders and operators - VC investors and others involved in growing technology businesses Attendees may be building products and side projects, developing their careers or looking for people with relevant experience. Conversations could help you learn from peers, find collaborators, discover career opportunities, meet potential clients or simply get to know more people with similar interests. A conversation-first format There are no presentations, PowerPoints or speeches. Instead, you can grab a drink, settle in and let conversations develop naturally. There are no structured introductions or organised activities, making this closer to an informal evening with industry peers than a conventional conference or meetup programme. The gathering is generally self-hosted, with support from the venue rather than a designated host leading the night. On arrival, ask the bar staff for the “Birmingham Tech Network” table booking and they will point you in the right direction. The central pub setting is intended to make the event accessible, welcoming and well suited to conversation. This event is part of a recurring series held on the second Tuesday of each month. Places are limited to help maintain the quality of the group. View the event and registration details