2026 QCon Global Software Development Conference to Focus on Harnessing AI

The 2026 QCon Global Software Development Conference will take place from October 22 to 24 in Shanghai, focusing on engineering practices in the Harness AI era. The event will cover topics such as AI Native architecture, Agent Runtime, AI Infrastructure, Data Systems, Agent security and observability, Loop Engineering, Vibe Coding, embodied intelligence and world models, and edge-cloud collaboration.

The conference will invite practitioners from the global technology community and industry to share insights and practical experiences related to AI, exploring the real paths from capability to systems and from experiments to production.

Cao Licheng, the head of e-commerce transaction terminals at Xiaohongshu, has confirmed attendance at the session titled "What Do Technologists Rely on to Win in the AI Era?" He will discuss the evolution of skill sets in the AI era, highlighting a shift in focus from merely executing technology to achieving business outcomes. As AI lowers the barriers to technological implementation, the value of technologists is transitioning towards understanding business needs and judgment.

Cao Licheng, a seasoned expert with experience at Alibaba and Meituan, will provide insights based on his journey through technological waves and organizational changes. He will address how the standard of evaluation has changed from "code quality and on-time delivery" to "business results" in the context of being a Product Engineer.

The conference will also feature over 20 specialized forums exploring topics such as Loop Engineering, innovations in various industries, Agent autonomous evolution, and AI Native engineering practices across sectors. More than 100 senior experts from diverse fields are expected to share cutting-edge technical insights and frontline experiences at the event.

The QCon Global Software Development Conference 2026 will be a pivotal gathering for discussing the most valuable engineering experiences in the AI Native era, with early bird discount tickets available.