IBM CEO Arvind Krishna to Open Think 2026
On May 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET, Arvind Krishna, the CEO of IBM, will kick off the highly anticipated IBM Think 2026 conference. This event promises to be significant, focusing on the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing in modern enterprises. Attendees can expect insightful discussions and key announcements that may reshape business strategies.
During the conference, Krishna plans to share IBM's latest advancements in enterprise AI, showcasing new capabilities that allow businesses to leverage AI in practical applications beyond initial testing phases. Drawing from IBM's own transformation journey, he will illustrate how organizations are increasingly incorporating AI into their operations, data management, and decision-making processes. Furthermore, he will elaborate on how hybrid cloud technologies, AI, and quantum computing are merging to create competitive advantages for businesses.
The Think 2026 conference is set to gather over 5,000 senior executives and tech leaders from more than 80 countries, all eager to learn how to effectively deploy agentic AI at scale within their organizations. Key sessions will delve into topics such as agentic AI, hybrid cloud solutions, trusted data management, and automation, all emphasizing real-world implications and measurable outcomes from these technologies.
Keynote Highlights
Several keynote presentations will feature influential leaders discussing their adoption of AI and quantum technologies. Notably:
- - Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Serpil Erzurum will explore the integration of AI in healthcare.
- - Elevance Health's Ratnakar Lavu will share insights into navigating digital transformations.
- - Aramco's Sami Al-Ajmi will illuminate their AI and quantum strategies.
These speakers represent a diverse range of industries, showcasing the universal applicability and importance of AI technologies across various sectors.
Live Demonstrations
The conference will also include live demos of agentic AI, demonstrating how it can manage actual enterprise workflows. This hands-on approach will provide attendees with practical insights on AI deployment in their operations, highlighting both successes and challenges faced by businesses at the forefront of technology adoption.
Research and Analytics
Research presentations will cover milestones in the journey towards achieving quantum advantage. Attendees will hear about groundbreaking work from IBM Research focusing on the economics of AI when scaled, what strategies work effectively, and the associated costs involved in implementing these cutting-edge technologies.
Executive Insights
IBM executives, including
Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President of Software, and
Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President of Software, will present on various topics related to AI and business transformation, providing additional perspectives and expertise to the conference discourse. Their insights will be invaluable for leaders across industries looking to capitalize on AI and quantum technology.
Sponsors and Partners
The event is sponsored by major industry players including
Adobe,
Salesforce, and
AWS, among others. Their involvement signifies the collaborative effort necessary to advance AI and quantum initiatives, emphasizing the critical role partnerships play in innovation.
Event Logistics
IBM Think 2026 will be held at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, MA. This venue will provide a dynamic environment for networking and knowledge exchange among tech leaders shaping the future of business.
For those interested in exploring AI and quantum computing's potential, tuning in to Think 2026 could provide a roadmap for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Don't miss this chance to gain firsthand knowledge from industry leaders and experts.
For more information about the event and to participate via livestream, you can visit IBM's official event page at
IBM Think 2026.