AI is changing the way software is built. Coding agents are taking on more complex tasks, development workflows are evolving, and engineering teams are rethinking what it takes to build reliable, scalable products.
But as AI becomes part of everyday software development, new questions emerge: How do we keep AI-powered systems secure? What does effective human-AI collaboration look like? And how can engineering teams navigate this shift without compromising quality?
On November 18, 2026, our Conference Day Engineering Track brings together experts from OpenAI, Microsoft, YouTube, Atlassian and more to explore the technologies, challenges, and ideas shaping the future of software engineering.
Here’s a look at what’s waiting for you on stage.
- You will learn:
- How AI is changing the way we work and what happens when intelligence moves from assistance to action at OpenAI
- Why autonomous coding agents introduce new security challenges and how to address them at Microsoft
- What it takes to build and evolve large-scale engineering systems in the age of AI at YouTube
- Why human-AI collaboration matters more than simply adding AI tools to development workflows at Atlassian
- … and more
Maximilian Hudlberger, Applied AI Engineer at OpenAI.
Closing Keynote: When intelligence gets to work
AI is no longer just answering questions. It’s starting to take action, solve complex problems, and transform the way we build software and work together.
In his closing keynote, Maximilian Hudlberger from OpenAI explores three key developments shaping the next chapter of AI: advances in reasoning, coordinated teams of AI agents, and new interfaces that turn human intent into action.
Drawing on examples from research and applied AI, he shares what these developments could mean for software engineering, product development, and the future of work. And he leaves us with one important question: As more becomes technically possible, what will we choose to build?
Maxim Salnikov, Senior Solution Engineer – AI-Native Developer Tools at Microsoft.
Talk: From Assistant to Actor: The New Security Risk of Coding Agents
Coding agents are evolving from helpful assistants into autonomous actors that can execute commands, modify code, and interact with development environments. But with greater autonomy comes a new set of security challenges.
In his talk, Maxim Salnikov explores the risks that emerge when AI agents gain the ability to act independently. From permissions and access control to protecting sensitive systems, he examines what developers and engineering teams need to consider when integrating coding agents into their workflows.
Discover why securing the next generation of AI-powered development tools requires a different approach to traditional software security.
Leonard Giura, Engineering Manager at YouTube.
Talk: Building the world’s largest stage in the age of AI
What does it take to build and evolve one of the world’s largest digital platforms in the age of AI?
As Engineering Manager at YouTube, Leonard Giura works in an environment where scale, reliability, and constant innovation are part of everyday engineering. In his talk, he explores how AI is changing the way engineering teams approach development and the challenges that come with building products used by millions of people around the world.
Get a behind-the-scenes perspective on engineering at scale and what the next chapter of software development could look like.
Sven Peters, AI Evangelist at Atlassian.
Talk: AI won’t save your productivity – human-AI collaboration will
AI promises to make developers faster and more productive. But simply introducing new AI tools doesn’t automatically lead to better results.
In his talk, Sven Peters challenges the idea that AI alone will solve productivity problems in software development. Instead, he explores why effective collaboration between humans and AI is becoming essential for engineering teams.
Discover how teams can rethink their workflows, make better use of AI-powered tools, and focus on what really drives productivity: combining technological capabilities with human expertise, judgment, and collaboration.
Browse more of our Engineering Track
Elisabeth Reitmayr, Director of Engineering at dltHub.
Talk: From Coding to Cooking: Leading Software Engineering Teams through the AI Transition
Sven Schirmer, Director Platform & Portals at MaibornWolff.
Interview: When AI Writes the Code – how tech teams can adopt agentic engineering & stay independent?
Michael Seel, Software Architect & Senior Consultant at INNOQ.
Talk: What Makes AI Features Production-Ready?
Robert Glaser, Head of Applied AI at Exxeta.
Talk: When everyone has AI and the company still learns nothing
Johannes Mainusch, Founder of kommitment & Interim VP Engineering at Douglas.
Talk: smash IT – pack your NERD survival kit
Matthias Lübken, AI Engineer & Founder of TAVON.ai.
Talk: Software Factories for the Software of One
Want to take it one step further? Join us for both days!
Why stop at one day? On November 17, our brand-new AI Deep Dive Day takes you even deeper into the world of AI, with hands-on sessions across Product Management, Product Design and Engineering.
Combine both days with our 2-Day Summit Pass and get the full experience: practical AI deep dives on November 17 and inspiring talks, fresh perspectives, and networking at Conference Day on November 18.
Two days. One ticket. Get your 2-Day Summit Pass now.
See you November 17 + 18 in Cologne!
Your Digitale Leute Team