South Coast Technology Leaders - Stop Chasing AI: Start Solving Problems

⌖ Southampton · Eagle Labs

Hosted by University of Southampton AI Society

SotonShip 26 is a free, three-day applied-AI hackathon bringing 200+ builders to Eagle Labs in Southampton from 16–18 October 2026. Presented by the University of Southampton AI Society, the event has a direct mission: “Stop learning AI. Start shipping it.” Rather than focusing on AI theory alone, SotonShip creates a dedicated environment for turning ideas into tangible projects over one intensive weekend. What to expect Running across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the hackathon gives attendees three days to concentrate on building with AI. The event’s published “Manifest” sets out a three-day schedule, while its wider programme is organised around a mission and five pillars. Full details of those pillars and the timed agenda will be available through the event website. The format is aimed at people who want to move from exploring AI concepts to applying them. It should be particularly relevant to: - Students interested in practical AI development - Developers, makers and technical builders - Founders or aspiring founders testing AI product ideas - Creatives and experimenters looking for a focused shipping deadline - Anyone motivated by hands-on building rather than passive learning The organiser does not specify a required experience level on the published page. What unites attendees is the intention to make and ship: the event is explicitly framed as an applied-AI hackathon, not a conventional lecture series or classroom course. A builder-first hackathon in Southampton SotonShip 26 takes place at Eagle Labs in Southampton. With more than 200 builders expected, it offers a substantial in-person setting for focused project work alongside others who are actively experimenting with AI. The event also has a distinctive retro game and nautical identity. Its website presents the programme as a voyage, with a “Mission”, “Five Pillars”, “Manifest”, “Backers”, “Logbook” and “Boarding Pass”. The playful “insert coin” and “claim your seat” framing reinforces the core message: this is an event designed around participation and action. A logbook from the previous edition, plus dedicated sections for sponsors and partners, can also be explored through the event site. Entry is listed as free, but attendees still need to claim a place. Claim your boarding pass for SotonShip 26

⌖ New York

Africa AI Governance Summit 2026 brings African and global policy actors to New York from 20–25 September for focused AI governance coordination. Hosted by Lawyers Hub and the Africa AI Policy Lab, the summit takes place as a side event during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. Its purpose is to move beyond broad debate and support practical conversations about how artificial intelligence can be governed accountably, across borders and in the public interest,particularly within African contexts. What the summit will explore The programme is organised around three connected priorities: - Governance frameworks: advancing policy conversations on accountable, rights-respecting approaches to AI governance that reflect African contexts. - Cross-border coordination: bringing regional and global actors together to consider interoperable approaches to AI oversight. - Public-interest AI: centring practical safeguards, institutional readiness and public value as governments and organisations adopt AI. This combination gives attendees an opportunity to examine not only the principles behind responsible AI, but also the institutional and international coordination needed to put those principles into practice. The focus on interoperability is especially relevant for participants working across jurisdictions, where fragmented rules and oversight models can create barriers to effective governance. Who should attend? The summit is designed for regional and global actors involved in AI policy, governance, oversight and public-interest technology. It will be particularly relevant to policymakers, legal and regulatory professionals, institutional leaders, civil-society participants, researchers and others contributing to accountable AI adoption or cross-border policy coordination. No technical prerequisite or specific experience level is stated. The event’s emphasis is policy and institutional governance rather than hands-on software development, making it most applicable to people seeking substantive conversations about safeguards, public value, regulatory frameworks and organisational readiness. Event format and setting… Register for this event

⌖ Da Nang · 107 Võ Nguyên Giáp

Asiai Conf brings software engineers, AI builders and technology leaders together in Da Nang for two hours of practical software and AI ideas. Taking place in person on Sunday, 20 September 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00, the conference focuses on the ideas shaping the future of software development and artificial intelligence. It offers a compact opportunity to hear new perspectives, explore what is changing across both fields and meet others working at the intersection of engineering and AI. What to expect The event combines talks, fresh ideas and networking in a focused two-hour format. Rather than separating software engineering from artificial intelligence, Asiai Conf brings the two communities into the same room to consider how they are evolving together. Attendees can expect a programme centred on: - Practical ideas influencing the future of software - Current and emerging directions in artificial intelligence - Perspectives relevant to people building AI-powered technology - Conversations between software engineers, AI builders and technology leaders - In-person networking with members of the regional technology community The published event information does not yet name individual speakers or provide a detailed session-by-session agenda, but its emphasis is firmly on applicable ideas, forward-looking discussion and connections between people actively working in software and AI. Further conference information is available on the official Asiai Conf website. Who should attend? Asiai Conf is designed for software engineers, AI builders and technology leaders who want to understand the practical ideas influencing their work. It is particularly relevant to technical professionals developing software or AI systems, as well as leaders responsible for navigating how artificial intelligence is changing technology products and engineering. The concise format also makes it suitable for attendees who want concentrated insight and useful conversations without committing to a full-day conference. Alongside the talks, networking provides space to exchange experiences, compare approaches and connect with others interested in the future of software and AI. Venue and format… Register for this event

⌖ Chiang Mai · The Story 106 Co-Working Space & Cafe

Hosted by AI Fusion Labs

AI News & Tools Meetup is a weekly, community-led discussion covering AI trends, product launches and practical tools in Chiang Mai. This edition takes place on Sunday 20 September 2026, from 11:00am to 12:00pm ICT, at The Story 106 Co-Working Space & Cafe. Explore what’s changing in AI Rather than focusing on a single platform or technical discipline, this informal meetup creates space to unpack the latest developments across artificial intelligence. Attendees can exchange perspectives on recent news, emerging trends, new product launches and the wider social impact of AI. The conversation also has a practical focus. Expect participants to share useful AI tools,including free and low-cost options,alongside tips for getting better results from them. Depending on what has happened in the industry that week, discussion may cover: - Noteworthy AI news and current trends - Recently launched products and tools - Practical ways to improve AI-assisted work - Website building and automation - More advanced AI workflows - Questions about AI’s social impact Because the programme responds to the latest news, each Sunday offers a fresh discussion rather than a fixed presentation. Who should attend? The meetup welcomes a broad range of experience levels. It is suitable if you are simply curious about AI, already use AI at work, are creating your own website or automations, or are developing more advanced workflows. Beginners, freelancers, creators and small business owners are particularly welcome. The format is friendly and community-led, making it a useful opportunity to ask questions, compare tools and learn from how other people are applying AI. It also provides a relaxed setting in which to meet others interested in AI and automation in Chiang Mai, without requiring advanced technical knowledge. Venue, organiser and cost The session is held downstairs at The Story 106 Co-Working Space & Cafe, 200 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Moi, Chiang Mai. It is presented by AI Fusion Labs and hosted by Lya, a Meetup Super Organizer. This event is part of a weekly Sunday series scheduled to run until 12 February 2027.… Register for this event

⌖ Chiang Mai · The Story 106 Co-Working Space & Cafe

Hosted by Lya

Learn practical AI for content, marketing and automation at this one-hour small business meetup in Chiang Mai on Sunday 20 September 2026. Designed for small business owners and indie hackers, AI For Small Business ☕️ offers a friendly place to test ideas, solve business challenges and make progress with support from people on a similar path. It takes place from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm ICT at The Story 106 Co-Working Space & Cafe, 200 Tha Phae Road, in Chiang Mai. What to expect This is an intimate, community-led meetup rather than a formal conference. The hour combines practical discussion, networking and peer support, with an emphasis on using AI to start or grow a business without relying on a large advertising budget. Topics and activities may include: - Using AI tools for content generation, marketing and automation - Getting constructive feedback on new products, services and business ideas - Exploring how to identify a niche that customers may be willing to pay for - Sharing approaches to growing an online or in-person business affordably - Finding potential collaborators and learning from other independent builders - Discussing current challenges in a supportive, small-group setting The meetup is relevant whether you are still shaping your first business idea or already operating a small company. Indie hackers, makers, entrepreneurs and people exploring practical uses of artificial intelligence can all take part. No specific technical background or tool experience is listed as a requirement; the focus is on applying AI to real small-business needs and learning alongside peers. A weekly community in Chiang Mai Hosted by Lya and organised by AI Fusion Labs, the event is part of the AI Fusion Labs Chiang Mai Meetup group. It runs every Sunday, with the listed weekly series continuing until 12 February 2027. Each session can cover different material. To see the detailed announcement and planned discussion for a particular week, attendees can join the organisers’ Telegram group.… Register for this event

⌖ Da Nang · Webe Coffee

Hosted by Lya

Explore AI and deep learning with developers, data scientists and creatives in Da Nang on Sunday, 20 September 2026, from 11am to 1pm ICT. Hosted by Lya and AI Fusion Labs Da Nang, this informal meetup offers a welcoming space to discuss emerging AI developments, exchange practical knowledge and see what other local builders are creating. Rather than following a fixed conference-style agenda, the gathering is shaped by its community through conversations, project sharing, talks, demonstrations and AI news discussions. What to expect The meetup covers a broad range of interests across AI and deep learning. Attendees may explore: - Current trends and developments in artificial intelligence - LLM projects and lessons learned while building them - AI applications in art and design - Community-led AI news discussions - Short talks, practical demonstrations and project stories - Hands-on workshops using AI tools Bring your laptop if you have a project, experiment or work in progress you would like to show. Participants are also welcome to offer a short hands-on workshop, making this a useful opportunity to practise explaining a workflow, gather feedback and learn directly from fellow attendees. The event is aimed at AI enthusiasts, developers, data scientists, hobbyists and creatives. No specific experience level is required in the listing: the emphasis is on curiosity, peer learning and connecting with people who are actively exploring AI from technical and creative perspectives. Venue, schedule and community The meetup takes place at Webe Coffee, 14–16 Nguyễn Hữu Thông, An Hải, Sơn Trà, Da Nang. You can view the venue on Google Maps. The session runs from 11am to 1pm ICT, and the Meetup listing describes it as a weekly Sunday series continuing until 18 February 2027. Because each week’s programme may include different talks, demos or community-led discussions, attendees can join the event’s Telegram group for detailed announcements. More information about the presenting organisation is available from AI Fusion Labs. Attendance is listed as free, with a 100k suggested donation. Register for the AI and Deep Learning Meetup