Tag: 2026

From human-centric research to business and public sector use, this year’s AI+ conference aims to bring the entire AI ecosystem together.

With a stronger focus on startups, investors and real-world application, AI+ 2026 is expanding its scope while staying true to its core mission: Making artificial intelligence practical, responsible and relevant.

Bridge between startups and capital

AI+ has always been about applied artificial intelligence – not abstract promises, but solutions that work in practice. In 2026, that ambition is taken a step further with a dedicated focus on entrepreneurs and investors.

“This year, we are investing heavily in startups and investors,” says Tore Lie, Project Manager for AI+ 2026. He adds:

“We have a fantastic collaboration with the Norwegian Business Angel Network (NorBAN), and together with our colleagues we are building a dedicated investor and startup event ahead of the main conference.”

The goal is clear: To create a meeting place where innovative AI startups can connect directly with Norwegian and Nordic investors who are actively looking to invest. This initiative complements the conference’s broader role as a low-threshold, high-relevance arena for applied AI.

Human-centric research and real business use

Alongside startups and investors, AI+ 2026 continues to strengthen its academic and professional foundations. In collaboration with the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), the conference will host a dedicated academic track focusing on Human-Centric AI.

“IFE has put together an excellent academic conference with human-centric AI as a core theme. That brings in both Norwegian and international researchers, and adds important depth to the program,” Lie explains.

At the same time, AI+ is scaling up its focus on business applications. This year’s AI for Business track is developed in close collaboration with Halden Business Development (Halden Næringsutvikling).

“We are working with a large part of the business development ecosystem this year. The response so far has been very positive, and the program is shaping up well,” says Lie.

Public sector innovation also remains a key pillar of the conference, with dedicated sessions in collaboration with Østfold University College (Høgskolen i Østfold), aimed at sharing practical experiences and lessons learned.

AI for all – and a place to connect

Beyond the stage program, AI+ 2026 places even greater emphasis on community, culture and connection. For the first time, the conference will host two evenings of social and networking events, extending conversations beyond formal sessions.

“We are bringing everyone together – not for one, but two social evenings with networking and informal discussions. That’s an important part of what makes AI+ special,” Lie emphasizes.

So who should attend AI+ 2026?

“Anyone who wants to understand how AI can be used in a practical and responsible way,” Lie answers.

“Startups, investors, researchers, people working with AI in business or the public sector – it’s a broad audience. But that’s exactly what AI+ has become. AI for everyone.”

From 26-28 May in Halden, a small town with a long history of responsible technological innovation, AI+ 2026 will once again bring together people, perspectives and practices shaping the future of applied artificial intelligence.

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As AI+ returns for the seventh year, the crew behind the scenes has been working at full speed to deliver a fresh program, a renewed profile and an experience worth showing up for.

While speakers, partners and participants prepare to take the stage, much of the real work happens long before the first keynote begins. Over the past weeks, the AI+ crew has been deep in planning, coordination and countless details that turn ideas into reality.

“AI+ is not something that just appears on a calendar,” says Tore Lie, Project Manager for AI+ 2026. He continues:

“There’s been a lot of effort behind shaping a program that is relevant, exciting and reflects where applied AI is heading right now.”

From aligning tracks for business, public sector and academia, to coordinating partners and contributors, the team has worked closely to ensure that the conference offers both depth and diversity.

A program – and a profile – taking shape

At the same time as the program has been coming together, the team has also launched AI+ in a new visual identity, updating the website and refreshing how the conference presents itself to the world – just in time for its seventh edition.

“We wanted the look and feel to match what AI+ has become,” says Ketil Thomsen, the creative mind behind the new look.

“A mature conference, but still curious, open and human. The new profile reflects both the technology and the people behind it,” explains Thomsen.

With investor dinners, startup meetups, multiple conference tracks, workshops and social highlights stretching late into the night, the 2026 program is the most ambitious to date – and very much a team effort.

“As the conference grows, collaboration becomes even more important. AI+ is built together – by the crew, the partners and the community,” adds Lie.

Ready to welcome the community back to Halden

From intimate dinners to packed conference halls and late-night conversations, AI+ once again turns Halden into a meeting place for ideas, people and applied artificial intelligence.

“When everything finally comes together, that’s the reward. Seeing people connect, challenge each other and leave with new perspectives – that’s what makes all the work worth it,” the crew concludes.

AI+ may last only a few intense days – but behind it stands a team that has been building, refining and pushing forward for weeks. Because one thing is certain: AI+ doesn’t make itself.

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