AI Builders Global Conference 2026. October 14-16, 2026. Online.
Deep Tech vs. Application Layer: Where Founders & Investors See the Most Value
This description belongs to the 2026 topic catalog. The 2027 program is being prepared separately.
Is the money in building the foundation models or in the applications on top? VCs debate long-term value creation in AI: infrastructure plays (compute, data centers, chips) vs. application-layer companies (vertical SaaS, agent platforms, domain-specific solutions). Includes critical discussion of open-source disruption risk and whether the application layer can sustain margins when models become commoditized.
Questions explored in the 2026 topic catalog
- Where is the most durable value creation in the AI stack?
- How does open-source model disruption affect application-layer moats?
- What infrastructure investments are still attractive at this stage?
- Can application-layer AI companies maintain high margins?
- What role does proprietary data play in value creation?
- How do emerging foundation model startups compete with incumbents?
Who this topic is for
Founders deciding where to build in the AI stack, VCs refining investment strategy, and engineers evaluating technology bets.
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