Predict 2026: AI Is Rewriting The Rules Of Platform Engineering
Platform Engineering, Friday, January 9th, 2026
Every year at Predict, we ask what the year ahead will demand from technology leaders. For 2026, the answer is clear. AI is the story. But for platform engineering teams, the story is more specific. AI is forcing platforms to evolve from enablement tools into mission-critical infrastructure.
That is why Techstrong has named AI as our Person of the Year, the first time we have ever given that recognition to a technology. It is also why Predict 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for platform engineering.
This is the eighth year of Predict, and for the first time, the event truly reflects what I originally envisioned nearly a decade ago. Predict was meant to be an analyst-driven event where experienced observers could share clear-eyed predictions about what is coming next. In 2026, that vision finally becomes real, especially for platform teams.