GTC 2026: Your Guide to NVIDIA’s Biggest AI Conference | NVIDIA Blog

NVIDIA GTC 2026: A Deep Dive into the Expanding AI Ecosystem

San Jose is bracing for its annual influx of technologists as NVIDIA’s GPU Technology Conference (GTC) 2026 kicks off this Sunday, March 15th, with the main event beginning Monday, March 16th. The conference, held at the SAP Center, is expected to draw thirty thousand attendees from 190 countries, all eager to hear NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang outline the company’s vision for the future of accelerated computing and, increasingly, artificial intelligence. Huang’s keynote address, streaming live from nvidia.com, will be a pivotal moment, setting the stage for a week of deep dives into the latest advancements across the entire AI stack – from the foundational hardware to the applications reshaping industries.

The Five-Layer AI Cake

This year’s GTC isn’t simply about faster chips. NVIDIA is framing the development of AI as a holistic system, described by Huang as a “5 layer cake.” These layers – energy, chips, infrastructure, models, and applications – are all interdependent, and require simultaneous scaling to unlock the full potential of AI. NVIDIA positions itself as a key enabler across these layers, connecting and optimizing each component. This perspective highlights the complexity of building and deploying AI at scale, moving beyond a focus solely on algorithmic breakthroughs.

Beyond the Keynote: A Packed Agenda

The conference schedule is extensive, boasting over 700 sessions. Beyond Huang’s keynote on Monday at 11 a.m. PT, the first day includes a “pregame show” featuring CEOs from prominent AI companies like Perplexity, LangChain, Mistral, Skild AI, and OpenEvidence. This signals a shift towards a more collaborative ecosystem, with NVIDIA actively engaging with partners to drive innovation.

Later in the week, GTC will host several notable events. On Wednesday, March 18th, Huang will moderate a panel discussion on open-source AI models, featuring Harrison Chase, cofounder and CEO of LangChain, alongside representatives from A16Z, AI2, Cursor, and Thinking Machines Lab. This conversation will explore the evolving landscape of AI models, comparing the strengths and weaknesses of open versus closed approaches and their implications for developers.

Other sessions include a discussion on AI’s role in climate and energy research with Dario Gil, Undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, and Ian Buck, NVIDIA Vice President of Hyperscale and High-Performance Computing (Tuesday, March 17th, 9 a.m. PT). Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, will also join NVIDIA’s Richard Kerris to discuss the intersection of music and AI (Tuesday, March 17th, 2 p.m. PT).

Developer Focus and Community Engagement

NVIDIA is also emphasizing community engagement at GTC 2026. The GTC Developer Community Livestream will provide real-time coverage of show floor demos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the conference. Attendees are encouraged to participate using the hashtag #ShowMeGTC on social media and in the YouTube chat to influence the livestream’s content. This interactive approach aims to broaden access to GTC’s insights and foster a more inclusive developer experience.

Hands-on Learning and Research Showcases

GTC isn’t just about presentations; it’s also a hub for hands-on learning and research dissemination. Over seventy 90-minute training labs will offer practical experience with NVIDIA’s technologies. Attendees can also take advantage of free certification exams offered onsite. 150 researchers will present posters detailing their work in areas like robotics, model innovation, and systems architecture, providing opportunities for direct engagement and knowledge exchange.

A Growing Conference and its Impact

The growth of GTC reflects the increasing importance of NVIDIA and the broader AI landscape. As Fortune notes, the conference has evolved from a gathering of NVIDIA enthusiasts into a major industry event, attracting nearly 20,000 attendees in previous years. This expansion underscores NVIDIA’s central role in driving innovation across the AI ecosystem, from the underlying hardware to the applications transforming various sectors. The event’s popularity is such that finding space for meetings or even a seat has turn into a challenge, highlighting the intense interest in NVIDIA’s developments.

Beyond the Tech: Networking and Amenities

Recognizing the importance of networking and attendee comfort, GTC 2026 will feature both a day market (11 a.m. To 2 p.m.) and a night market (until 9 p.m.) at Cesar Chavez Park, the central hub of the conference campus. These markets will provide opportunities for attendees to connect and recharge amidst the busy schedule.

What Comes Next: Continued Expansion and Innovation

Following GTC 2026, the announcements and insights shared will likely drive further development and investment in the AI ecosystem. The focus on the “5 layer cake” framework suggests a continued emphasis on holistic solutions, requiring collaboration across the entire AI stack. The discussions around open-source models will likely influence the direction of AI research and development, potentially leading to more accessible and customizable AI tools. The conference’s emphasis on developer engagement and hands-on learning will contribute to a growing pool of skilled AI professionals, accelerating the adoption of AI technologies across industries. Attendees can stay updated on the latest news and announcements throughout the week on the NVIDIA blog.

Registration for NVIDIA GTC 2026 is available at nvidia.com/gtc, with a 20% discount available using the code GTC26-20.