#USA #Los Angeles #Partner Awards #Kong Inc. #API AI Summit

Kong Inc. Celebrates Innovation at the 2026 Partner Awards

On September 30, 2026, Kong Inc., known for its advanced AI connectivity solutions, held the 2026 Partner Awards during the highly anticipated API + AI Summit in Los Angeles. This momentous event recognized outstanding partners within the Kong ecosystem for their significant contributions to the revolution of AI and API connectivity.

The awards showcased a variety of partners who have effectively turned API and AI connectivity into adept customer outcomes, demonstrating that collaboration in technology is key to success. Ken Kim, the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Kong, emphasized the critical role of partners in aiding customers as they transition from experimental phases to real-world implementations. He stated, “The AI race is on, and our partners are playing a critical role in helping customers move from experimentation to production.”

Recognizing Industry Leaders

The 2026 Partner Awards recognized a multitude of individuals and organizations for their exceptional work, highlighting achievements in joint customer endeavors, geographic outreach, and innovative solutions. Here are some of the winners:

• - Partner of the Year: AWS was awarded for its impactful delivery through the integration of Kong Konnect and Kong AI Gateway, significantly aiding customers across various industries to navigate the AI landscape swiftly while maintaining essential security protocols.

• - Solution Partner of the Year, Americas: AHEAD garnered this title for its pivotal role in providing security solutions that help enterprises scale AI deployment safely, showcasing strong collaborative efforts with Kong.

• - Solution Partner of the Year, EMEA: ApiShare was recognized for its advisory role in API and AI connectivity, driving integration and governance strategies that opened doors for new opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

• - Solution Partner of the Year, APJ: International Integrated Systems, Inc. (IISI) was commended for its efforts in modernizing legacy API architecture, serving as a springboard for enterprise AI initiatives across various regions.

• - Emerging Market Partner of the Year: Perceptiva, honored for its significant impact in Latin America, displayed a strong commitment to expanding Kong's presence through strategic sales functions and fostering business growth.

• - Tech Partner of the Year: Noma Security brought significant improvements in security posture for joint clients, highlighting the partnership's value as enterprise AI adoption accelerates.

• - Rising Stars: WWT, Presidio, and NTT DATA were collectively recognized for their momentum in generating AI-focused opportunities and expanding collaborative efforts with Kong, marking them as pivotal players in the landscape of AI solutions.

• - GSI Partner of the Year: Infosys made noteworthy strides in translating partnerships into substantial new opportunities across various industries, emphasizing their integration capabilities.

• - Industry Excellence: Coforge led the way in leveraging its expertise in financial sectors, showcasing how industry knowledge translates into tangible success with Kong's solutions.

The Future of Collaboration

The partnerships and innovations highlighted during the ceremony represent a significant leap in the collaboration between technology entities focused on advancing AI. The recognition of these partnerships demonstrates the potential of merging resources and expertise to drive innovation in technology. Ken Kim noted, “We’re excited to build upon this success and see what the future holds.”

Kong Inc. continues to be at the forefront of AI connectivity, empowering enterprises to leverage technology effectively while maintaining high standards of security and governance. With a strong partner program, Kong is poised for continued growth and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

To learn more about the Kong Partner Program and its offerings, visit Kong's official website.