Kakao will hold the 'if(kakao)26' conference in October, revealing its technology and service strategies centered on artificial intelligence (AI). The event aims to enhance user experience by integrating AI into existing services and will showcase the development achievements of the 'Kanana' model, which underpins agentic AI, along with the direction for safe and responsible AI technology.
On September 7, Kakao announced that the 'if(kakao)26' conference will take place on October 13-14 at the Kakao AI Campus in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. This conference serves to unveil the Kakao Group's technological vision and share accumulated technical achievements with the developer community.
This year marks the eighth iteration of the event, themed 'Connections Meet Intelligence.' Kakao aims to present a vision that expands individual capabilities and possibilities by integrating AI technology into its established connection experiences. The company will also share its thoughts and execution plans regarding the responsibilities technology must uphold in the AI era.
On the first day, CEO Jeong Shin-a will deliver a keynote speech titled 'Connections for All, Intelligence for One,' introducing Kakao's AI direction and the values reflected in its services. Following this, Kim Dae-nyun, Chief Design Officer, will share insights on designing AI service experiences that understand context. Noh Byeong-seok, leader of the Unified Foundation Model, will present the current status and future plans for the Kanana model, which serves as the foundation for agentic AI. Chief Technology Officer Song Jae-ha will address the technical requirements for safe and responsible AI.
After the keynote, over 50 technical sessions featuring Kakao and affiliate developers will take place over the two days. These sessions will cover topics such as AI direction, coexistence and growth, models, and agents, sharing insights and experiences gained from real services and development sites.
On the second day, discussions will continue under the theme 'The Moment Technology Becomes Trustworthy.' The day will begin with a welcome session by Chief Technology Officer Song Jae-ha, followed by presentations on governance, stability and infrastructure, and the AI-driven development life cycle (AI-DLC) that innovates the entire development process.
This year, participants will have various opportunities to experience if(kakao) in different ways. A fireside chat will provide a relaxed atmosphere for discussing the changes brought by AI during the development process and the standards necessary for responsible development and technology operation in the AI era, featuring Kakao and community speakers as well as external panelists. After the presentations, an after-session will allow deeper Q&A between presenters and participants, along with a keyword networking program for free exchanges based on individual roles and interests.
A Kakao representative stated, 'This if(kakao) will present new values that Kakao aims to create by adding AI technology to its accumulated connection experiences, and it will be a platform to share how this technology should operate based on certain standards and responsibilities. We will continue to expand Kakao's essence of connection in a safer and more valuable way, based on trustworthy technology and AI operational experience.'
Kakao is accelerating the expansion of agentic AI services centered around KakaoTalk this year. In its second-quarter earnings report, the company announced plans to sequentially showcase experiences where AI performs users' daily actions such as ordering, reserving, and paying through KakaoTalk, aiming to develop this into a new growth and monetization pillar.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.