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- NEARCON 2026 moves to San Francisco to highlight AI-blockchain innovation.
- Hands-on demos, workshops, and debates will explore user-owned AI on-chain.
- NEAR & Aptos partnership enables seamless cross-chain swaps with near-zero fees.
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After a two-year hiatus, the NEAR Foundation is bringing back its flagship conference, NEARCON, this time in San Francisco. Scheduled for February 23–24, 2026, at the Fort Mason venue, the move from Lisbon reflects the foundation’s ambition to position itself at the heart of the AI revolution. NEARCON has historically attracted developers, investors, and Web3 enthusiasts, making it a cornerstone for innovation in the blockchain space.
Theme and Focus: “The Internet Wants to Think”
The 2026 conference theme, “The Internet Wants to Think,” highlights NEAR’s commitment to the intersection of AI and blockchain. Attendees can expect hands-on workshops, live AI agent demos, and keynotes from leading figures in both sectors. Discussions will explore user-owned AI, ethical considerations, and the possibilities of AI agents transacting on-chain. This focus aligns with CEO Illia Polosukhin’s vision, who is also co-author of the landmark AI paper “Attention Is All You Need.”
NEAR & Aptos: Driving Cross-Chain Innovation
NEAR’s recent partnership with Aptos underscores its dedication to a fully agentic, cross-chain internet. Through NEAR Intents, users can perform one-click swaps across 19 blockchains with near-zero fees and 1.2-second finality. Applications like Zashi and ThorSwap have already processed over $955 million in token swaps, demonstrating the practical impact of this integration on the blockchain ecosystem.
Expectations and Opportunities
While the full list of speakers has yet to be announced, NEARCON 2026 promises to feature pioneers in AI and blockchain, offering both educational sessions and networking opportunities. Previous NEARCON events drew between 3,000 and 5,000 participants globally, with highlights including hackathons, coding workshops, and debates on AI adoption and ethics.
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By relocating to San Francisco and emphasizing AI-powered blockchain solutions, NEARCON 2026 is set to become a key hub for innovation and collaboration. Developers, entrepreneurs, and investors eager to explore the future of AI-integrated Web3 are encouraged to apply to attend or speak.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
