TECH FEST 2026

Tech Fest 2026 — Silicon Valley Join an exclusive gathering of 500+ tech professionals, founders, decision-makers, and architects for an evening designed to spark ideas, meaningful connections, and future collaborations in the heart of Silicon Valley — bringing together the Valley’s brightest minds for high-stakes networking and innovation. Tech Fest 2026 brings together leaders from across the technology ecosystem to explore the innovations shaping tomorrow — from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to career growth, industry insights, and new opportunities across the tech landscape. Visit: sftechfest.com/

Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist, AI, Google Saurabh Mishra, Field CTO - Executive Director, Oracle Doc Vaidyanathan, VP - AI Center of Excellence, IBM Sanjay Soni, Director-Global Cloud and AI Technical Sales Enablement, Microsoft Ritendra Datta, Engineering Leadership, OpenAI Dr. Ahmed Banafa, Engineering Professor, San Jose State University Miko Matsumura, Managing Partner, Gumi Cryptos Capital Anand Rao, Data and GenAI Field Engineering, Databricks Ashmeet Sidana, Chief Engineer, Engineering Capital Manu Rekhi, Managing Director, Silicon Valley Quad (SVQ) Lu Zhang, Founder and Managing Partner, Fusion Fund Mariane Bekker, Head of DevRel, You.com & Founder, Founders Bay Miten Mehta, Chief of Ai Solutions - GTM & Partnerships, Mondee Preethy Padmanabhan, Founder and Managing Member, 10x Growth Strategies Ken Nim, Co-Founder, OffChain Global Dr. Sam Swapn, CEO, Strategism, Inc. Sanjiv Goyal, President, Droisys Inc. Ramesh V Chitor, Chief Customer Officer, TrustModel.AI Anjul Katare, Chairman/CEO, CBS Information Systems Inc Ben Bartlett, Council Member, City of Berkeley Murtuza Haryanawalla, Director of Artificial Intelligence Solutions, Product Labs Gagan Mac, Vice President - Head of Dev Products, Circle Kenneth Hurley, CEO & Co-Founder, Genius Ventures Alina Aeby, Founder/President. Silicon Valley Proptech Association Asif Qamar, Founder and CEO, Support Vectors Daniela Florescu, Co-Founder and CTO, Ford Alto Saurabh Yergattikar, Open Source AI Agent Practitioner Stephen Jon Thompson, Portfolio Manager | Investor | Author | Executive Talent Strategist, Ormsby Private Capital Sai Gundavelli, Founder & CEO, Solix Technologies, Inc. Mala Ramakrishnan, Founder and Managing Partner, Progressive Ventures Martin Kirkwood, CEO, Estate Legend Inc Soniya Ahuja, Founder & CEO, Orbis86 Rishi Mallik, Chief Growth Officer, Workato Stay Tuned, More speakers to be announced!

TENTATIVE AGENDA 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM | Opening Address Kick off TechFest 2026 with a warm welcome from RJ Roshni as she opens the event, sets the tone for the day ahead, and recognizes the sponsors and partners supporting the experience.

11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Panel 1: What's Hot, What's Not in AI Investing AI is moving faster than ever, but where are investors placing their bets, and what trends are already cooling off? Join leading VCs for a candid conversation on the evolving AI landscape: from agentic AI, vertical applications, infrastructure, and cybersecurity to the realities of enterprise adoption, defensibility, and monetization. The panel will explore what’s driving conviction in today’s market, where investors see overcrowding and hype, and what founders need to build to stand out in the next wave of AI innovation.

Ashmeet Sidana, Chief Engineer, Engineering Capital Lu Zhang, Founder and Managing Partner, Fusion Fund Manu Rekhi, Managing Director, Silicon Valley Quad (SVQ) Preethy Padmanabhan, Founder and Managing Member, 10x Growth Strategies

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Tech Showcase Join Sanjay for a live interactive tech showcase on transforming AI from experimentation to real business impact. Learn how Microsoft’s integrated AI ecosystem helps enterprises unlock insights, automate processes, and accelerate innovation at scale.

Sanjay Soni, Director-Global Cloud and AI Technical Sales Enablement, Microsoft

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | Panel 2: Wired for Life: Civic Innovation for Smart Cities and Homes IoT, connected infrastructure, intelligent buildings — the technology exists to fundamentally transform how we live, work, and move through cities. The leaders building that future are in this room. Let's talk about what's actually happening on the ground when technology in civics, government, and property come together.

Martin Kirkwood, CEO, Estate Legend Inc Alina Aeby, Founder/President. Silicon Valley Proptech Association Daniela Florescu, Co-Founder and CTO, Fort Alto Ken Nim, Co-Founder, OffChain Global

12:30 PM - 1:20 PM | Gourmet Lunch Take a break to enjoy GOURMET LUNCH, connect with fellow attendees, and continue conversations with founders, investors, and tech leaders while live DJ music keeps the energy going throughout the venue.

1:20 PM - 2:00 PM | Panel 3: AI in 2026: The New Tech Stack of Work — How Products, Careers, and Companies Are Rebuilt Explore how AI in 2026 is reshaping the modern tech stack, from intelligent products and workflows to evolving career paths and company structures, while unpacking what it takes to stay relevant, competitive, and future-ready in an AI-first world.

Sanjiv Goyal, President, Droisys Inc. Miten Mehta, Chief of Ai Solutions - GTM & Partnerships, Mondee Dr. Ahmed Banafa, Engineering Professor, San Jose State University Anjul Katare, Chairman/CEO, CBS Information Systems Inc Ramesh V Chitor, Chief Customer Officer, TrustModel.AI Dr. Sam Swapn, CEO, Strategism, Inc.

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Keynote Address Hear powerful insights from Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist, AI at Google, as he shares his perspective on the evolving global AI landscape and the opportunities it will unlock for builders, companies, and innovators.

Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist, AI, Google

2:15 PM -2:20 PM | Sponsors Acknowledgement A special recognition of the sponsors and partners whose support helps power TechFest 2026 and strengthen the innovation ecosystem bringing the community together.

2:20 PM - 2:50 PM | Panel 4: AI 2.0 – Building Trust Across the Stack Explore how AI 2.0 is redefining trust across the entire stack—from data and models to applications and user experience, while addressing challenges around transparency, security, and reliability.

Saurabh Mishra, Field CTO - Executive Director, Oracle Doc Vaidyanathan, VP - AI Center of Excellence, IBM Ritendra Datta, Engineering Leadership, OpenAI Murtuza Haryanawalla, Director of Artificial Intelligence Solutions, Product Labs

2:50 PM - 3:20 PM | Panel 5: Beyond Speculation: Can Web3 Still Matter? After years of hype cycles, memecoins, regulatory battles, and market volatility, the Web3 industry finds itself at a critical turning point. Was Web3 merely a speculative trend, or is the technology finally maturing into something with real-world value? This panel explores whether blockchain, decentralized infrastructure, digital ownership, and tokenized ecosystems can move beyond speculation and deliver meaningful impact across finance, AI, gaming, identity, enterprise, and creator economies in 2026 and beyond.

Miko Matsumura, Managing Partner, Gumi Cryptos Capital Ben Bartlett, Council Member, City of Berkeley Kenneth Hurley, CEO & Co-Founder, Genius Ventures Soniya Ahuja, Founder & CEO, Orbis86

3:20 PM - 3:30PM | Lightning Talk: Non Profit/AI in Health Tech Explore how AI is transforming healthcare and enabling nonprofit organizations to expand their impact, improve accessibility, and deliver better outcomes. This lightning talk will highlight key opportunities, innovations, and real-world applications at the intersection of AI, health tech, and social good.

Sai Gundavelli, Founder & CEO, Solix Technologies, Inc.

LIGHTNING TALK BY CIRCLE A fast-paced session exploring the latest innovations in digital finance, developer tools, and the evolving future of the internet economy, with insights on building and scaling next-generation applications.

Gagan Mac, Vice President - Head of Dev Products, Circle

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Panel 6: Agentic AI Discover how Agentic AI is transforming the next generation of intelligent systems by enabling autonomous decision-making, adaptive workflows, and AI agents capable of driving productivity, innovation, and real-world business impact.

Anand Rao, Data and GenAI Field Engineering, Databricks Rishi Mallik, Chief Growth Officer, Workato Asif Qamar, Founder and CEO, Support Vectors Mariane Bekker, Head of DevRel, You.com & Founder, Founders Bay

4:00 PM - 4:10 PM | SPONSOR ADDRESS by Yogi Sharma Hear from our Silver Sponsor - Yogi Sharma as he'll share insights on the Bay Area real estate market, homeownership opportunities, and the importance of making informed property decisions with confidence in today’s evolving landscape.

4:10 PM - 4:50 PM | Fireside Chat: AI, Careers & Business Acumen: Thriving in the Age of Intelligent Machines As artificial intelligence transforms industries and reshapes jobs, technical skills alone are no longer enough. This fireside chat explores how professionals can build durable careers by combining AI fluency, human-centered leadership, adaptability, and strong business acumen. Stephen will discuss the future of work, how AI is augmenting rather than replacing talent, and the critical skills that will help individuals remain relevant, resilient, and valuable in an increasingly automated world.

Stephen Jon Thompson, Portfolio Manager | Investor | Author | Executive Talent Strategist, Ormsby Private Capital Mala Ramakrishnan, Founder and Managing Partner, Progressive Ventures

4:50 PM - 4:55 PM | Communication Skit Enjoy an engaging and interactive skit highlighting the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and human connection in today’s fast-evolving professional and technology-driven environments.

4:55 PM - 5:00 PM | Sponsors Thanks & Closing Closing remarks and acknowledgements, recognizing our sponsors, speakers, partners, volunteers, and attendees for their contributions to Tech Fest 2026

5:00 PM Onwards | High Tea & Happy Hour Unwind over high tea and happy hour as conversations continue beyond the stage. Clink your glasses, enjoy curated refreshments, and connect with founders, investors, industry leaders, and fellow attendees in a vibrant networking atmosphere.

3:30 PM Onwards | Recruiter Connect Connect with recruiters, get expert resume tips, submit your resume at the Strategism booth, and explore exciting opportunities through the event job board.

4:00 PM Onwards | Complimentary OpenClaw Workshop Title: Build Your Own AI Agent with OpenClaw It is a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to install, run, and customize one of the fastest-growing open-source AI agent platforms of 2026. Guided by AI practitioner Saurabh Yergattikar, you'll build a working AI agent, create your first custom skill, and learn practical approaches for deploying AI agents safely. Whether you're AI-curious, a developer, or an engineer looking to upskill, you'll leave with real hands-on experience and a functioning AI agent running on your laptop.

Saurabh Yergattikar, Open Source AI Agent Practitioner

Photo Booth Capture the moment with fellow founders, tech leaders, and innovators — a fun way to create memories and take home a snapshot from an unforgettable evening at Tech Fest.

SILVER SPONSOR Yogi Sharma Homes

Yogi Sharma is a Bay Area REALTOR® who loves helping people buy and sell homes with confidence. With 25+ years in the Bay Area, he believes in clear communication, honest guidance, and zero pressure. His goal is to make real estate simple, smooth, and stress-free for you.  Call or text 925-640-9846 if you’re thinking about making a move! VISIT: yogisharmahomes.com or Email: yogisharmahomes@gmail.com

Culinary Partner Red Hot Chilli Pepper, Fremont

Red Hot Chilli Pepper is where fire meets flavor! Where you you celebrate the bold spirit of Indo-Chinese cuisine, a fiery blend of wok-seared heat and rich spices. Every dish is a love letter to the bustling streets of Kolkata and the flavors of Guangzhou. Whether you're craving crispy chili paneer or garlic-soaked noodles, RHCP Fremont is here to bring the heat.

Beverage Partners

Poura On Wheels Poura On Wheels brings unforgettable event experiences with its iconic Piaggio Ape mobile bar, serving handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, wine, and beer with fully customizable menus for every celebration. GNUS.AI Genius Ventures, Inc develops blockchain-powered infrastructure solutions, with GNUS tokens enabling decentralized GPU utilization through a patented multi-chain DePIN ecosystem.

Trillium Square Advisors Trillium Square Advisors is an independent fiduciary RIA firm specializing in wealth management and financial planning for technology entrepreneurs and executives. By combining personalized advisory services with AI-driven insights and data-backed strategies, the firm helps clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. DreamBuilder Financials Part of World Financial Group and Transamerica Financial Advisors, DreamBuilder Financials helps individuals and families build long-term financial confidence through personalized strategies in investments, retirement planning, life insurance, and financial education — guided by their mission, “No Family Left Behind.” My Pursu My Pursu is an all-in-one platform designed for NRIs, offering fast and secure money transfers to India with competitive exchange rates and zero transaction fees. The app also supports payments, bookings, shopping, insurance, elder care, and more — bringing essential NRI services together in one trusted ecosystem. BNG Wealth Advisors BNG Wealth Advisors is a boutique wealth advisory firm providing comprehensive financial planning solutions including investment planning, tax-loss harvesting, estate planning, risk management, and retirement strategies for entrepreneurs, families, and growing businesses. YoungWonks YoungWonks is an award-winning coding and engineering program for kids and teens, helping students build real-world computer science and engineering skills through hands-on learning. Founded in 2014, the WASC-accredited program has guided students to achievements including NASA competitions, top university admissions, and global tech recognition. WeSolve Since 2012, WeSolve has helped B2B companies grow by solving GTM and distribution challenges through lead generation, presales, demos, sales support, product development, and marketing.

Radio Zindagi Radio Zindagi is one of the leading South Asian radio networks in the United States, connecting communities through music, culture, news, and entertainment. Broadcasting on 1550 AM and digital platforms, it reaches thousands of listeners across the Bay Area and beyond. Strategism Inc Strategism Inc. is a leading technology training and consulting company headquartered in California, providing industry-focused IT training, mentoring, and consulting across the United States. The organization works closely with professionals, enterprises, and aspiring tech leaders to build skills, accelerate careers, and drive innovation in today’s evolving technology landscape. The Future Of Tech The Future of Tech is a global platform connecting founders, investors, enterprises, and innovators through impactful events and ecosystem collaborations. Powered by Orbis86, OffChain Global and BrandPR, it brings together communities across AI, Web3, and emerging technologies to foster meaningful conversations, partnerships, and innovation shaping the future of technology. 10X Growth Strategies 10X Growth Strategies is a thriving Silicon Valley community for Investors, Founders and Corporate Executives. Founded by Preethy Padmanabhan, a Silicon Valley Executive and Investor, the community hosts events in the San Francisco Bay Area featuring VCs and Founders. The 10X Growth Strategies podcast is ranked in the global top 10% on Listen Notes. Subscribe to the community here - luma.com/10xgrowthstrategies. Product Labs Product Labs builds AI-first systems and intelligent automation solutions that help businesses streamline operations and scale innovation. By combining advanced AI technologies with production-grade infrastructure, they enable organizations to turn automation into real-world impact.

Founders Bay | Fractl | Orbis86 | OffChain | BrandPR | DGROUP | BD Ventures | Bitcoin Insider

---

View URL of the source ↗