Upper Bound 2026

Program Themes

Upper Bound talks are organized by Theme. Below is a sneak peek at the Upper Bound 2026 Themes – with the schedule still to come!

Energy and Environment

This theme focuses on the intersection of AI with energy systems and environmental sustainability. It explores how AI can address challenges related to climate change, resource management, and the transition to renewable energy. Discussions will cover research, applications, and policy implications for a sustainable future.

AI Literacy and Education

This theme addresses the vital need for AI competencies across all sectors and explores the transformative role of AI in education. It covers foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and responsible practices necessary for individuals to thrive in an AI-powered world. Discussions will also highlight how AI can enhance learning environments, curriculum development, and teaching methodologies from K-12 to post-secondary and professional development.

CEO Circle

This theme features Cam Linke, Amii's CEO, sharing his curated insights on the most pivotal AI trends and opportunities. He'll reveal what's "around the corner" in AI, offering a visionary look at emerging technologies, strategic shifts, and the critical decisions business leaders need to make today to shape their future. This isn't just about current applications; it's about anticipating the next wave of AI's impact.

Generative AI - Business Productivity: Marketing, HR, Finance, Operations

This theme explores the transformative power of generative AI across various business functions. It showcases practical applications of generative AI in marketing, human resources, finance, and operations to enhance efficiency and innovation. Expect discussions on real-world use cases and strategies for deployment.

Agentic AI

This theme explores the rapidly evolving field of agentic AI, focusing on intelligent systems that can perceive, act, and learn autonomously to achieve goals. We'll dive into both the cutting-edge technical advancements and the advanced theoretical discussions shaping this domain. Expect to cover topics from multi-agent systems and foundational architectures to the practical applications and future implications of truly autonomous AI.

Startups

This theme highlights the vibrant ecosystem of AI startups, showcasing emerging companies, innovative products, and entrepreneurial journeys. It provides a platform for startups to present their solutions, share their experiences, and connect with potential investors and collaborators. Discussions may also cover challenges and opportunities in launching and scaling an AI startup.

Venture

This theme focuses on the investment landscape within the AI sector. It brings together venture capitalists, angel investors, and entrepreneurs to discuss funding trends, investment strategies, and opportunities in AI innovation. Learn about what investors are looking for and how to secure capital for AI ventures.

HPC, Data Centres, and Critical Infrastructure

This theme explores the vital intersection of high-performance computing (HPC), robust data centers, and the foundational elements of critical infrastructure. It covers how advanced AI and computational power are being leveraged to enhance the resilience, security, and efficiency of essential systems like power grids, communication networks, and transportation. Discussions will delve into the challenges and innovations in scaling AI for immense data processing needs and ensuring the reliability of our most vital assets.

AI for Health

This theme explores the revolutionary impact of AI on healthcare, from diagnostics and drug discovery to personalized medicine and operational efficiency. It highlights how AI is transforming patient care, medical research, and public health initiatives. Discussions will cover innovative solutions and ethical considerations in healthcare AI.

AI Talent and Workforce

This theme focuses on the practical strategies for building and empowering an AI-ready workforce. Sessions will cover the full spectrum of talent management, including best practices for recruiting and retaining AI talent, and how individuals can stand out as candidates for AI roles. It also dives into designing effective Learning & Development (L&D) plans to foster AI literacy and prepare all employees, from domain experts to leadership, for the opportunities and disruptions of working with AI. Expect discussions on career development, cross-functional collaboration, and the evolving nature of roles in an AI-powered economy.

AI for Public Sector

This theme explores the transformative potential of AI in enhancing government services, improving operational efficiency, and fostering smarter public policy. Sessions will delve into how AI can address complex societal challenges, from optimizing resource allocation and streamlining administrative processes to improving citizen engagement and enhancing public safety. Discussions will cover real-world case studies, ethical considerations for responsible AI deployment in government, and strategies for building an AI-ready public workforce. Join us to explore how AI can drive innovation and deliver greater public value.

ML Ops & AI Deployment

This theme focuses on the practical challenges and best practices for deploying and managing machine learning models in production environments. It covers topics such as model lifecycle management, monitoring, scaling, and ensuring reliability. This theme is essential for anyone involved in bringing AI models from development to real-world application.

Applied AI - Case Studies, Demos, and Industry Learnings

This extensive theme presents real-world applications of AI across diverse industries through detailed case studies and live demonstrations. Attendees will gain practical insights from successful AI implementations and learn about lessons learned from industry leaders. This theme emphasizes tangible results and actionable strategies.

Ethical AI, Governance & Responsible Innovation

This theme addresses the critical issues surrounding the responsible development and deployment of AI. It explores ethical frameworks, governance models, and strategies for ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems. Discussions will cover societal impact, bias mitigation, and regulatory considerations.

Reinforcement Learning

This theme provides a deep dive into the principles and applications of reinforcement learning (RL). It covers theoretical advancements, algorithmic breakthroughs, and practical implementations of RL across various domains. This theme is ideal for researchers and practitioners looking to understand and apply cutting-edge RL techniques.

Sponsored Content

This theme features presentations and discussions led by our partners and sponsors. It offers an opportunity to learn about innovative solutions, products, and services from leading organizations in the AI space. Content is curated to provide valuable insights and practical applications.

More themes and programs to be announced – stay tuned!