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AI in the Trenches: Engineering Real-World Systems at the Edge of Innovation

Tue, 22 April, 5:40 PM - 6:40 PM GMT+5:30

This is not another abstract AI talk. This panel brings together accomplished architects and engineering leaders to dissect what it really takes to build, deploy, and sustain AI systems in production. From edge deployments and ethical engineering to climate-impact tradeoffs and post-LLM architectures, the discussion will go deep into the real-world technical decisions shaping AI's future.

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About the speaker

Stephen Chin

VP of Developer Relations, Neo4j

Stephen Chin is VP of Developer Relations at Neo4j and author of The Definitive Guide to Modern Client Development, Raspberry Pi with Java, Pro JavaFX Platform, and the DevOps Tools for Java Developers title from O'Reilly. He has keynoted numerous conferences around the world, including Devoxx, DevNexus, JNation, JavaOne, Joker, swampUP, and Open Source India. Stephen is an avid motorcyclist who has done evangelism tours in Europe, Japan, and Brazil, interviewing hackers in their natural habitat. When he is not traveling, he enjoys teaching kids how to do AI, embedded, and robot programming together with his daughters.

Mark Richards

Founder, DeveloperToArchitect.com

Mark Richards is an experienced, hands-on software architect involved in the architecture, design, and implementation of microservices architectures and other distributed systems in a variety of technologies. He has been in the software industry since 1983 and has significant experience and expertise in application, integration, and enterprise architecture. Mark is the founder of DeveloperToArchitect.com, a free website devoted to helping developers in the journey to becoming a software architect. In addition to hands-on consulting, Mark has authored numerous technical books and videos, including his two latest books Fundamentals of Software Architecture and Software Architecture: The Hard Parts that he co-authored with Neal Ford. Mark has spoken at hundreds of conferences and user groups around the world on a variety of enterprise-related technical topics.

Archie Sharma

Chief Operating Officer, GTM, Zencoder

Archie Sharma is a seasoned engineer and technology leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and scaling AI-powered solutions. As the Chief Operating Officer, GTM at Zencoder, he is spearheading the development and deployment of AI coding agents to revolutionize software development workflows.

Previously, Archie was COO at HappyFox, focusing on AI agents for customer support and ITSM. His expertise extends to AI-driven collaborative work management tools, as demonstrated by his successful tenure at Wrike, where he more than tripled the company's value and oversaw its acquisition by Citrix for $2.25 billion.

As a published author, Archie has shared his insights on technology and business in renowned publications such as BBC Capital, Business Insider, and Adexchanger.  Archie holds two US patents in signal processing and machine learning, while also leading advanced technology teams at Western Digital. With a strong background in AI, software development, and global strategy, Archie has held executive roles at leading tech companies like HubSpot, OpenX, and Western Digital. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the tech industry.

Archie holds a Bachelor of Engineering from University of Pune, MS in Electrical Engineering from University of Rochester and an MBA from UCLA.

Vanya Seth

Head of Technology, ThoughtWorks India

An experienced technologist with a demonstrated history of working in the IT services industry, Vanya is a strategic consultant specializing in platforms, delivery infrastructure, evolutionary architecture and cloud native applications.

In her current role as Head of Technology for Thoughtworks in India, Vanya shapes new pursuits, strategically advises on client projects, and formulates meaningful and resilient technology strategies.

She is a passionate technologist with a knack for solving complex problems, at scale. She is also deeply involved in with open source communities.

Michael Carducci

Hands-on Software Architect & Magician

Michael Carducci is a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience, an author, and an internationally recognized speaker, blending expertise in software architecture with the artistry of magic and mentalism. His upcoming book, “Mastering Software Architecture,” reflects his deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges of building resilient, effective software systems and high-performing teams. Michael's career spans roles from individual contributor to CTO, with a particular focus on strategic enterprise architecture and digital transformation.

As a magician and mentalist, Michael has captivated audiences in dozens of countries, applying the same creativity and problem-solving skills that define his technology career. He excels in transforming complex technical concepts into engaging narratives, making him a sought-after speaker, trainer, and emcee for internal and tech events worldwide.

In his consulting work, Michael adopts a holistic approach to software architecture, ensuring alignment with business strategy and operational realities. He empowers teams, bridges tactical and strategic objectives, and guides organizations through transformative changes, always aiming to create sustainable, adaptable solutions.

Michael's unique blend of technical acumen and performative talent makes him an unparalleled force in both the tech and entertainment industries, driven by a passion for continuous learning and a commitment to excellence.