#USA #Oakland #Kapor Foundation #Oakland Tech Week #HiiiWAV

Oakland Tech Week 2026: A New Era for Responsible Innovation

On September 28, 2026, the City of Oakland launched its second annual Tech Week with a captivating opening event titled "Responsible Innovation: A Vision for Oakland's Future." This year's festivities promise to be expansive and transformative, centered around the idea that technology should benefit the local community. With over 80 events organized by a coalition of more than 30 local organizations, Oakland Tech Week is setting a new standard for innovation that prioritizes responsibility and equity.

The opening ceremony took place at the Kapor Center, featuring a keynote address by Federal Reserve Board member Lisa D. Cook. The event unified a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Mayor's Office, the Kapor Foundation, investors, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders. They came together to contextualize national trends within Oakland, reinforcing the notion that the city's unique history of resistance and activism can guide the future of technology.

Produced by HiiiWAV, an Oakland-based artist-led nonprofit organization, this year’s Tech Week runs from September 27 to October 3, promoting the theme of "Culture, Code, and Community." Importantly, it aims to spotlight the endeavors of those committed to developing talent, advocating for community needs, supporting mission-driven entrepreneurs, and enhancing the economic prospects for Oakland families.

After an incredibly successful inaugural year that saw over 4,200 attendees and 40 events, this year's programming has roughly doubled in scope, and attendance figures are expected to surpass previous records. Participants can look forward to a variety of panels, workshops, and community discussions that will focus on critical issues like artificial intelligence and its implications for the workforce, economy, and civil rights.

A Call for Equitable AI

Amidst rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, Oakland is positioned to lead conversations about responsible AI use that benefits all. Mayor Barbara Lee highlighted the city’s commitment to intertwining community engagement with technological advancement: "Oakland has always been a place where community and creativity drive progress. Opening Oakland Tech Week reflects our belief in building a thriving innovation economy that leads to good-paying, local jobs."

Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, emphasized the need for community-driven innovation. "We believe that the tech benefits will only be realized when innovation is driven by community voices rather than imposed upon them. Oakland has a real opportunity to demonstrate what responsible and equity-centered AI looks like."

The uniqueness of Oakland Tech Week lies in its focus on the convergence of creativity and technology. Bosko Kante, Founder and Executive Director of HiiiWAV, stated, "We put creatives and impact organizations at the center, lifting up responsible technology use and ensuring real access to education and investment. Oakland’s culture and civic life are inherently linked with its technological undertakings."

Highlighting the importance of education in responsible technology use, Carrie Maultsby-Lute from Northeastern University Oakland noted, "Preparing the next generation to build technology responsibly starts in the classroom. We are proud to host discussions on ethical computer science and AI education, as today’s students will shape how AI serves communities in the future."

Events and Highlights

The week features an impressive lineup of events. Notable highlights include:

• - Tuesday, September 29: A symposium on ethical computer science and AI education held at Northeastern University Oakland.
• - Wednesday, September 30: A panel on movement-building with experts including Dr. Timnit Gebru, organized by Media Justice at the Kapor Center.
• - Friday, October 2: Oakland Ballers Founder's Day at Raimondi Field, which will attract over 100 investors and entrepreneurs.
• - Saturday, October 3: The family-friendly closing celebration, HiiiWAV Fest at the Henry J. Kaiser Center, featuring hackathons, a community tech fair, and a concert by Bay Area artist E-40.

With a vibrant calendar of events aimed at fostering community engagement and innovation, Oakland Tech Week promises to connect various sectors of society, highlighting the importance of collective action in shaping the future of technology.

For those looking to join the movement or learn more about the complete schedule of events, visit oaklandtechweek.com. This week not only positions Oakland as a beacon of responsible innovation but also invites everyone to participate in shaping a tech landscape that serves the community's needs.