May 11-14, 2026, Vancouver Convention Centre
Shaping the future of enterprise technology – together
IBM is proud to be part of Web Summit Vancouver 2026, one of the world’s most influential technology conferences, bringing together global founders, investors, policymakers, and enterprise leaders shaping the future of technology. Taking place May 11–14, 2026 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the event places Canada’s innovation ecosystem on a global stage.
At Web Summit Vancouver, IBM will showcase how enterprise-ready AI solutions are helping organizations turn breakthrough innovation into real-world impact. Through on-site activations, thought leadership, and ecosystem engagement, IBM will connect with leaders and startups focused on building responsible, scalable technologies that move industries forward.
Join us in Vancouver as we engage with the global tech community to explore what’s next for AI-powered business, innovation at scale, and Canada’s role in shaping the future of technology.
Agenda
Tuesday, May 12, 12:50 PM - 1:10 PM
The next phase of AI isn’t about better conversations with chatbots; it’s about autonomous systems that can simplify and accelerate workflows. Learn how IBM is architecting a new enterprise framework where AI agents solve real-world problems, while humans focus on high-level strategy and direction.
With Matt Lyteson, CIO, IBM
Zachary Karabell, Founder, The Progress Network
Wednesday, May 13, 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Join us for the inaugural IBM Sports Showcase, where some of the best startups in the Sports Tech space showcase their companies on stage. Sharing their feedback and expertise are IBM Ventures’ Emily Fontaine, KPMG’s Alexander Hanhan, MLSE’s Jim O’Mara, and Innovate BC’s Sheila Schindel.
Wednesday, May 13 at 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Software teams are under pressure to deliver faster, modernize legacy systems, and do more with less. IBM shows how enterprises are transforming development with AI, DevSecOps, automation, and secure orchestration. Join this live session to see how integrated tools and agentic workflows help teams move from idea to production faster without sacrificing control or security. Please be aware that attendance is first-come, first-served.
With Loura Elshaer, Solution Engineer - Data and AI, IBM
Colin Lynch, Sales Engineer - Data and AI, IBM
Frank Falco, Platform Data and AI Architect, IBM
Wednesday, May 13, 3:05 PM - 3:25 PM
The spray-and-pray approach to AI investing is dead. Join us as we discuss what it takes to stand out in a saturated market. We’re moving beyond the hype to identify the startups building real moats, the innovative applications solving ‘unsolvable’ problems, and the specific traits that will define the big winners of the next 12 months.
With: Emily Fontaine, Global Head of Ventures Capital, IBM
Andy McLoughlin, Managing Partner, Uncork Capital
George Mathew, Managing Director, Insight Partners
Jennifer Strong, Host and Creator, SHIFT Podcast
Wednesday, May 13, 3:50 PM - 4:15 PM
In a disciplined 2026 market, investors are obsessed with capital efficiency. AI-native startups are proving they can reach $10m+ in ARR with smaller and smaller teams. How do VCs see this market evolving, and what makes them remain ever-bullish on its potential for big returns?
With: Emily Fontaine, Global Head of Ventures Capital, IBM
Benjamin Narasin, Founder & General Partner, Tenacity Venture Capital
Taha Mubashir, Partner, Inovia Capital
Thursday, May 14, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
More than capital, corporate VC delivers strategic alignment, industry insight, and access at scale. Learn how founders can tap into corporate VC as a growth multiplier, build partnerships, and gain long term advantage. Please be aware that attendance is first-come, first-served.
With Emily Fontaine, Global Head of Ventures Capital, IBM
