Doors Open & Networking
Registration and welcome coffee.
PeaceTech Conference 2026
Advancing Ethical AI in a Sustainable World
Event Concluded
Powered By
Description
Part of ViennaUP
AI is transforming everything, but at what cost? Data centers now consume as much water as small cities and their energy demands are skyrocketing. Yet the same technology could help us solve the climate crisis. Because resource conflicts—over water, energy, and climate impacts—are fundamentally peace issues.
This wasn't another conference about what AI might do. We brought together the people actually building sustainable AI systems, shaping EU policy, and ensuring this technology serves everyone, not just tech giants.
Whether you were designing energy-efficient architectures, writing the regulations that matter, or advocating for equity in AI deployment, this is where attendees found their peers and made real progress.
Who Attended?
- Policymakers
Shape the governance frameworks driving ethical AI adoption.
- Technologists
Explore sustainable architectures like RAG and Green AI.
- NGOs & Civil Society
Learn how AI can serve peacebuilding and social equity.
Speakers
Meet the visionaries, practitioners, and policy shapers taking the stage at PTC 2026.
Andrei CursaruFounder & CEONexus Group AI
Orion ForowyczFounder & CTONexus Group AI
Kilian KaminskiFounderRefurbed
Kambis VajargahHOD start-up servicesWKÖ
Susanne SupperManaging DirectorForschungsinitiative Green Energy Lab
Martin RauchbauerCo-FounderBMEIA
Margit MayrInvestment ManagerErste Group
Jelisaveta PavlovićSenior ExpertOMV
Roland SupperCSOErste Group
Bernhard MüllerPartnerPwC Legal
Stefan HumerLawyerCHG Czernich Rechtsanwälte
Martin HanzlLawyerEY
Merve TanerLegal counselErste Bankf
Moritz WeinhoferProject ManagerAWS
Kasia SadowskaDirectorFounder Institute
Claudia WinklerFounding PartnerAdjacent Possible Network
Doris SchnepfCo-Founder & COOGreenpass
Pitch & Chill 2026
Pitch Your Idea
Pitch & Chill is our high-energy side event where startups and innovators showcase bold, scalable PeaceTech ideas to a jury. Join us to see the future of ethical AI in action, or take the stage yourself.
See below for more details on the startups pitching and the jury.
Highlights from PTC25
Pitching Startups
The innovative startups taking the stage at Pitch & Chill 2026.
The Jury
Our distinguished panel evaluating the Pitch & Chill competition.
Featured Startups
Standout teams shaping the future of PeaceTech.
Agenda
12:00 PM
01:00 PM
Welcome & Opening Keynote
AI, Sustainability, and the New Global Compact
Overview of the conference theme and goals, introduction to the structure, and insights into the significance of AI ethics.
01:30 PM
Fireside Chat 1
The Promise (AI for Energy)
We often hear about AI consuming energy, but this session explores how AI could help us save it. We will discuss how smart technology stabilizes our electricity grids, integrates solar and wind power, and potentially reduces conflict by making nations energy-independent.
02:15 PM
Break & Sponsor Slots
Networking and refreshments.
02:45 PM
Fireside Chat 2
The Peril (Risks & Mitigation)
This session confronts the physical reality of the "Cloud." We will discuss the risks of resource scarcity, how data centers impact local communities, and how we can mitigate these risks to prevent conflict over water and power.
03:30 PM
Break & Sponsor Slots
04:00 PM
Fireside Chat 3
The Policy (Governance & Equity)
Technology moves fast, but laws move slow. This session asks how we ensure the benefits of "Green AI" are shared equally, discussing the EU AI Act and global fairness.
04:45 PM
Extended Break
05:30 PM
Pitching Competition
Pitch & Chill Side Event
Showcasing bold, scalable PeaceTech ideas to a jury.
07:00 PM
Award Ceremony
07:20 PM
Closing Remarks & Networking Reception
Thanks for joining us!
Stay tuned for updates on PeaceTech Conference 2027.
Venue & Location
Impact Hub Vienna
Lindengasse 56, 1070 Wien
Located in the heart of Vienna's 7th district, widely accessible by public transport (U3 Zieglergasse or Neubaugasse).
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
When and where did PTC26 take place?
The conference was held on May 20, 2026, as part of the ViennaUP festival. We hosted the event at Impact Hub Vienna (Lindengasse 56, 1070 Wien).
What was the core focus of the event?
Our theme was "Advancing Ethical AI in a Sustainable World." We moved beyond abstract talk to focus on the dual impact of AI: using it to optimize the circular economy and energy grids, while actively reducing the carbon and water footprints of the data centers that power these tools.
What was on the agenda?
The day was divided into three thematic "Fireside Chats" and a grand finale:
The Promise: AI's role in energy efficiency and grid stability.
The Peril: Addressing the environmental risks and resource scarcity (water/carbon) caused by AI.
The Policy: Discussing governance, equity, and the EU AI Act.
Pitch & Chill: A high-energy competition where startups showcase scalable PeaceTech ideas to a live jury.
Who organized the event and how can I get involved?
PTC26 was organized by PeaceTech Hub Vienna and Nexus Group AI. You can continue to follow our updates at www.peacehub.tech/ptc26.