How is artificial intelligence being used in practice – and what actually works? These are some of the key questions when the AI+ conference takes place in the border town of Halden from 26-29 May.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer something happening in the future. The technology is already changing how businesses operate, how public services are developed, and how decisions are made,” says Tore Lie, Project Manager of AI+ 2026.
During AI+, participants from business, public sector organisations, academia, startups and investor communities will gather to share experiences and explore how AI is being applied in real-world contexts.
“AI+ is not about the hype surrounding artificial intelligence. It is about what actually works – and what we still need to figure out,” Lie explains.
AI conversations with the minister
This is also a topic of great importance to Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Oldernes Tung, who will open AI+ Public Sector on Wednesday 27 May (one of the conference’s three main tracks). She will also participate in a panel discussion titled “How does the use of AI change competence needs?”
Following her visit to the Public Sector track, the minister will continue to Byparken and attend AI+ Business, where she will join AI+ moderator Ruth Astrid Sæter for an on-stage conversation about artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the future of work.
This year marks the seventh edition of AI+, and the conference has grown into its largest and most ambitious version yet, featuring 89 speakers and 31 events across four days. AI+ has evolved into something closer to an AI festival than a traditional conference.
Highly relevant themes
The programme includes dedicated tracks for business, public sector and academia, as well as a full day for startups and investors. There are still a few tickets left for selected events.
Key themes include:
- AI as a competitive advantage in business
- Responsible and trustworthy use of AI
- Regulation and developments in Europe
- How organisations move from pilots to real implementation
The conference takes place in Halden, a historic fortress town with strong traditions in technology and research, and is organised by Smart Innovation Norway in collaboration with Østfold University of Applied Sciences (HiØ), Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Halden Business Development, Halden municipality, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS), and Nemonoor.
