As AI+ 2026 came to a close in Halden, it was clear that the event has long outgrown the format it started with seven years ago.
What began as a niche conference for a small group of enthusiasts has evolved into a meeting place for businesses, public sector organisations, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, students, young people and seniors.
This year, AI+ featured 31 events across a wide range of venues throughout Halden – from Østfold University College and Smart Innovation Arena to Byparken, Kulturhuset and Fredriksten Fortress.
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“From startups and investors to the public sector, businesses, researchers, students, young people, seniors and even AI runners – everyone has helped make AI+ exactly what we want it to be: a meeting place for people,” says Tore Lie, Project Manager of AI+ 2026.
AI in Practice – Not Just Theory
A recurring theme throughout this year’s AI+ was applied artificial intelligence – how the technology is actually being used in organisations and businesses.
Among the speakers was Anna Turvoll from the Norwegian technology company Völur, which develops AI solutions for the meat industry.
“It is about trust and integrity when adopting AI. It is about talking to customers and consumers, and building trust through AI adoption. This is still a new technology in many ways, so it is important to create understanding and open up the black box,” says Turvoll.
For her, AI+ was also valuable as a networking arena.
“Meeting people from different fields and industries has been a great opportunity for us. I am very happy to be here.”
“Learn from Those Already Moving Forward”
Henrik Fabrin from Danish Industry (Dansk Industri) took part in AI+ Business and highlighted the importance of taking action rather than waiting.
“You have to make a conscious decision. Either you move forward, learn from those who are already gaining experience, or you wait to see what everyone else does. If you only wait, you rarely end up in a good position,” he says.
Fabrin attended AI+ for the first time this year and was impressed by how the events were integrated throughout the city.
“I did not realise the events were spread across the whole of Halden. I love it. And of course, the weather helps too,” he adds with a smile.
From Curiosity to Concrete Actions
Among the participants was Kristin Vestli Grosvold, Senior Advisor and Partner at Bee2Bee, a company that helps businesses with recruitment and executive search. She attended AI+ to learn more about how artificial intelligence can be used within her own organisation.
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“We have started using AI in our company, and I wanted to pick up some tips on how we can use it more effectively in our daily work,” she says.
Vestli Grosvold left the conference with several concrete ideas.
“We need to do some cleaning in the attic and the basement, so to speak. We need a better overview of our documents and data, and how we can use them more intelligently.”
At the same time, she stresses the importance of using AI responsibly.
“We care a lot about GDPR and privacy. What we send out should still be our own work.”
Networking, Learning and New Perspectives
For entrepreneur Stig Morten Lyse from Prosperum, a company developing digital product passports and data solutions for the construction industry, AI+ was part of his journey through Smart Innovation Norway’s Launchpad programme.
“I have discovered several new and very useful tools and opportunities related to AI agents. I already use agents a lot myself, but expanding my knowledge and gaining new perspectives has been extremely valuable,” says Lyse.
He believes meeting places such as AI+ are becoming increasingly important.
“AI is a major part of the digital infrastructure that will become critically important both now and in the future. That is why this is such a valuable event for bringing people together, building networks and learning from each other.”
More Than a Conference
Perhaps it is the combination of all these different perspectives that explains why AI+ continues to grow.
Over four days, participants discussed everything from regulation, leadership and cybersecurity to entrepreneurship, research, creativity and the practical use of artificial intelligence. At the same time, the programme included concerts, networking events, workshops, an AI fun run, cultural experiences and informal meeting places.
The result is what many now describe as an AI festival rather than a traditional conference.
“With more than 90 speakers, 31 events and record attendance, AI+ seems to have found its own formula: high-quality professional content combined with a relaxed atmosphere, historic surroundings and people who genuinely want to learn from one another,” concludes Tore Lie.
The dates for next year’s event have already been announced, and Lie has one message: Save the date! AI+ 2027 will take place in Halden from 24-29 May.