Theory stops, delivery starts – telecom’s boldest event hits Copenhagen
DTW Ignite 2026 is set to feature a high-caliber industry-leader speaker program and the largest assembly of telco decision-makers in the event’s history. With more than 60 Catalysts providing proof-of-concept solutions to today’s most pressing problems for Communications Service Providers (CSPs), and the largest collection of Autonomous Network (AN) innovation case studies ever presented at an industry conference, DTW Ignite 2026 will be a powerhouse event.
Taking place June 23–25 in Copenhagen, the fast-paced agenda across three Mission summits will tackle some of the industry’s biggest shifts as telco operators build The Future. Faster.
- AI progress fromproof toP&L impact: This year’sAI and Data Summit willa ddress key topics such as responsible AI in action, models-as-a-service (MODaaS) and tokenomics, and critical areas including AI security and cyber resilience.
- Reinventing IT for AI velocity and growth: The Composable IT and Ecosystems Summit will demonstrate how to move strategy from boardroom to code, successfully and at speed.
- The largest AN showcase in the industry: The industry's most comprehensive collection of AN case studies, including China Mobile, China Telecom, TDC NET, and Telefónica will report real results across fault resolution, RAN energy efficiency, and unlocking new growth opportunities.
New for 2026, Mission Garages provide space for hands-on collaboration and “ask the expert” access for practitioners to deep dive into challenges and solutions that deliver impact.
The event will address emerging forces shaping the global telecom industry, from quantum computing to non-terrestrial networks, the transformation of skills for an AI-driven industry, and the underlying—yet vital—importance of sovereignty for sector growth.
C-suite power: CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and leaders on stage: The opening keynotes move the conversation from “what if” to “what’s next?” Expect insight and informed debate from telco leaders including Claire Gillies (CEO consumer, BT Group), Antonietta Mastroianni (CIO, Etisalat), Monika Nowak-Toporowicz (CTIO, Virgin Media), Pietro Labriola (CEO, TIM), Charles Molapisi (Group CTIO, MTN), Andrea Folgueiras (Global CTIO, Telefonica), and many more.
An innovation-packed agenda: The latest results and projects on display in the Innovation Hub, including the AI-native Blueprint, all demonstrate what it really takes to turn innovation into real-world impact. Plus, more than 30 groundbreaking Catalyst projects focused on autonomous networks (AN) address the industry’s most prominent challenges, including:
• How agentic AI can turn the network into a true growth engine
• Transforming customer experience through AI
• Driving toward the “dark NOC” with autonomous networks
• Unlocking network monetization through AI
• Digital twins and other enabling technologies
"DTW Ignite 2026 will be one of the most exciting telco events of 2026," said Aaron Boasman-Patel, VP Innovation at TM Forum. "This year delivers the strongest showcase of innovation we’ve seen across the industry, demonstrating how we bring together the brightest minds and leading industry voices to co-create real-life solutions that truly propel the industry forward. It’s the event where the rubber hits the road, and we’re excited for a high-octane three days!"
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About TM Forum
TM Forum is an alliance of over 800 organizations spanning the global connectivity ecosystem, including the world’s top ten Communication Service Providers (CSPs), top three hyperscalers and Network Equipment Providers (NEPs), vendors, consultancies and system integrators, large and small.
We provide a place for our Members to collaborate, innovate, and deliver lasting change. Together, we are building a sustainable future for the industry in connectivity and beyond.
To find out more, visit: www.tmforum.org
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Katy Branson
Head of Communications
TM Forum