The Future AI Conference - PROGRAMME 2026

Bangor University Crest with text Prifysgol Bangor University in white text

Wednesday 4 March

Welcome to Future AI 2026. Our opening day brings together leaders from academia, industry, and government to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. From large language models and language technologies to AI infrastructure and collaborative innovation, today’s programme highlights national initiatives, research excellence, and industry partnerships shaping the future of AI in Wales and across the UK. The afternoon sessions provide opportunities for in-depth discussion and direct engagement with experts.

We thank the UKRI-funded Get Into AI project for supporting the conference and providing refreshments. We also extend our thanks to NVIDIA for their collaboration and support of the event.

"As principal organiser, it is a genuine pleasure to welcome you to Future AI 2026. This event has been shaped through months of planning and collaboration, and it is wonderful to see such a diverse community gathered to explore the opportunities and challenges of AI together. I hope the sessions spark meaningful discussion, new collaborations, and fresh perspectives on the future of AI." Jonathan C. Roberts (Bangor University)"

09:00–10:00

Registration – Dean Street Foyer

Refreshments – Student Common Room

10:00–11:30 | Plenary 1 | Main Lecture Theatre (MLT)

Chair: Jonathan C. Roberts

11:30 Break – Refreshments,
in Student Common Room

12:00–13:00 | Plenary 2 (MLT)

13:00 Lunch,
stations in Student Common Room

14:00–15:00 | Parallel Sessions

THEME 1 – Health and Life Sciences - Meet with Experts (MLT)

  • Medical imaging and the use of frameworks like MONAI Jonny Hancox, NVIDIA

THEME 2 – LLM frameworks & Agentic AI. Meet with Experts (SLT)

15:00 Break – Refreshments
in Student Common Room

15:30–16:30 | Parallel Sessions

THEME 3 – Earth, Physics and Engineering. Meet with Experts (MLT)

  • AI for physical simulation, surrogate modelling and design optimization with PhysicsNeMo Ira Shokar NVIDIA. This session will be delivered remotely.

THEME 4 – NVIDIA technology. Meet with Experts (SLT)

  • NVIDIA Expert Session. NVIDIA solutions and programming approaches Paul Graham, NVIDIA.
16:30, End of day 1

Thursday 5 March, 2026

Day two of Future AI 2026 focuses on application, impact, and innovation. Today's sessions explore how AI is transforming business, finance, imaging, law, education, transport, and entrepreneurship. With parallel tracks spanning technical advances, ethical considerations, and real-world deployment, the day highlights both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI-driven change. We conclude with a forward-looking capstone session examining future growth zones and emerging AI frontiers.

We welcome you to the second day of Future AI 2026.

Please note

08:30–9:00

Arrival for technical programme attendees only (foyer).

Please note the technical training session starts at 9am.

Main Conference Stream (day 2)

9:00–10:00

Arrival

Registration – Dean Street Foyer

Refreshments – Student Common Room

Please note, the main conference starts at 10am.

10:00 | Plenary (MLT)

Technical Programme (SLT)

09:00–11:10
11:10 Break,
in Student Common Room.

11:40–13:00 | Parallel Sessions

Business & Finance (Talks) (MLT)

Chair: Binru Zhao

Tech & Imaging (Talks) (SLT)

Chair: Dr Peter Butcher

  • Digital twining of X-ray devices and its use in machine learning Franck Vidal
  • From edge sensors to conservation insights: AI for marine wildlife monitoring Marianna Chimienti
  • From Light to Location: Machine Learning for High-Accuracy 2D and 3D Visible Light Positioning Aran White
  • AI for Games: Procedural Animation, Generative Tools, and What's Next Llyr Ap Cenydd

AI in Teaching (Panel) (211)

Chair: Dr Dave Perkins (Bangor University)

  • Panel Discussion
  • Starting with brief presentations from the panellists, the panel will discuss issues of AI in Teaching, and encourage audience participation. Come with your questions!

13:00 Lunch,
in Student Common Room

14:00–15:20 | Parallel Sessions

Business, Tech & Mind (MLT)

Chair: Dr Phylis Makurunje

Law & Ethics (SLT)

Chair: Dr Mark Ogden

GPUs & Systems (211)

15:20 - 15:50 Afternoon tea/coffee and cakes,
in Student Common Room

15:50 | Capstone Session, The Future of AI (MLT)

In this capstone session, speakers will present work on current and future plans in AI. Including the AI Growth Zone, Nuclear Growth Zone, and future plans.