Theme: Make a Better Tomorrow with AI

KVIT 2026 explores how artificial intelligence is transforming our understanding of cognition, creativity, and collaboration.

The vision for the conference is grounded in these questions:

Will humans and AI complement or compete in tomorrow's society?

Will AI open or close doors for human cognition - and who holds the key?

Can we steer the development of AI - or will AI ultimately steer us?

When

February 3-4, 2026

Pre-KVIT: Feb 3 (evening)

KVIT Conference: Feb 4

Where

Ada Lovelace

Building B, LiU Campus

View on map →

Price

50 kr

Including lunch

Conference Schedule

3-4 February 2026

Day one

Pre-KVIT

3 February

18:00

Perspective evolution

Day two

KVIT Conference

4 February

09:15 - 09:30

Opening

09:30 - 10:30

LECTURE

Franziska Babel

The talk will look into what Human-AI Relationships, be it as companion, friend or romantic partner, reveal about cognitive processes such as anthropomorphism, attachment and addiction but also what benefit the users can draw from such interactions, for instance with Replika.

Dr. Franziska Babel is an Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science at the Information and Computer Science Department in Linköping, Sweden. She has a background in Engineering Psychology, Human Factors and user-centred design including cognitive science and social psychology. Her research interests cover techno-psychological processes such as social decision-making, power dynamics, persuasion and conflicts in human-agent interactions.

10:30 - 10:45

Fika break

10:45 - 11:45

LECTURE

Ola Leifler

Ola's work centers on understanding the narratives we orient around, and promoting deeper conversations about technology and change. His perspective is captured by a paraphrase from philosopher Daniel Schmachtenberger: "A society with exponential tech generating existential risks during rivalrous (win-lose) games self-terminates."

This framing shapes how he orients in the context of AI and why he is drawn to the stories we tell about tech, progress, and societal transformations. With one orientation, one might ask "how to best use the new tech?" – but in the context of cars, we no longer ask that question. Instead, we wish to constrain or minimize harm from them. Which narratives warrant a particular attitude towards AI?

11:45 - 12:45

Lunch

12:45 - 13:45

LECTURE

Nicholas Fernholm

Nicholas Fernholm is an AI innovator, change leader, and award-winning international keynote speaker focused on how technology and AI can help leaders and organizations navigate and stay ahead in a world of rapid change, complexity, and uncertainty.

Nicholas speaks globally on AI strategy, digital leadership and technology-driven change, and is the founder of GenericInsight.ai and Senior Advisor at ClimateTrackerInitiative. He has been named Excellent Speaker 2024, was nominated for Speaker of the Year 2022, and is the author of Handbook of Unpredictability as well as Sweden's first AI-written book, Triss Traktor.

Nicholas' talks are characterized by practical insights as well as entertaining and inspiring examples.

13:45 - 14:00

Fika break

14:00 - 15:00

LECTURE

Eirik Norman Hansen

15:00 - 15:15

Fika break

15:15 - 16:15

PANEL DISCUSSION

Panel discussion with all speakers

16:15 - 16:30

Concluding thanks

Your Moderator

Carolina Olsson

Carolina Olsson is the moderator of today's event and a familiar face to many of you, having moderated this conference in previous years. She works at the intersection of people, places and long-term development, as a project manager and strategist with a strong focus on community building and navigating complex change.

In her work, she often brings together different perspectives and helps create meaningful conversations around questions that do not have simple answers. Today, she will guide us through the discussion, connecting technology, humanity and the future – and exploring what it really means to make a better tomorrow with AI.

What is KVIT?

KVIT 2026 is the annual student-driven conference on Cognitive Science and Information Technology, bringing together students, researchers, experts, and anyone interested in the intersection between humans and technology. Since 1992, KVIT has aimed to spread knowledge, spark curiosity, and create a space for discussion on current and future-oriented topics. This year's theme, “Make a Better Tomorrow with AI”, focuses on how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to improve lives, societies, and the world at large. The conference features TED-style talks from inspiring speakers, providing a platform to share ideas, gain insights, and build valuable connections with peers, academics, and industry professionals. KVIT is more than just a series of lectures. It is an opportunity to discuss the most pressing questions about AI, explore both opportunities and challenges of AI, and hear perspectives from those shaping the field. KVIT 2026 is a full-day event at Campus Valla, concluding with an evening gathering honoring speakers and attendees.