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Santa Clara Today
By the People, for the People
DesignCon Announces Keynote Speakers from NASA, Purdue, and Agentrys
The annual electronics design conference will feature experts discussing quantum networking, AI-driven chip design, and space technology innovations.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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DesignCon has revealed the keynote speakers for its 2026 edition, including Joseph Lukens from Purdue University, Mark Ren from Agentrys, and Bhanu Sood from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The three-day event will cover topics ranging from the evolution of quantum networking and the transformation of hardware design through agentic AI, to the critical role of electronics in enabling NASA's exploration and science goals.
Why it matters
DesignCon is a leading conference for the electronics design community, bringing together industry experts, researchers, and innovators to share insights and drive the future of the field. The diverse keynote lineup reflects the wide-ranging advancements shaping the industry, from quantum computing to space technology, and underscores DesignCon's role as a hub for cutting-edge ideas and collaboration.
The details
On the first day, Purdue's Joseph Lukens will trace the development of quantum networking, from its origins in quantum theory to the emergence of commercial applications like quantum key distribution, and explore the vision for a 'quantum information superhighway.' On the second day, Agentrys founder Mark Ren will discuss the evolution of agentic AI systems capable of autonomously generating full chip designs from specifications, transforming hardware design much as AI has reshaped software. Closing out the keynote slate, NASA's Bhanu Sood will provide an in-depth look at the critical role of electronics in enabling the agency's exploration and science goals, including autonomous navigation, high-performance onboard computing, and miniaturized sensing for planetary research.
- DesignCon 2026 will take place over three days.
- The conference is scheduled for February 19-21, 2026.
The players
Joseph Lukens
Associate Professor at Purdue University School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Mark Ren
Founder at Agentrys, a company focused on agentic AI for chip design.
Bhanu Sood
Chief Technologist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, responsible for driving technology innovations to support the agency's exploration and science goals.
Suzanne Deffree
VP and Group Portfolio Lead, Manufacturing by Informa, the organizers of DesignCon.
What they’re saying
“DesignCon has always been a hub for innovation, and this year's keynote lineup is a testament to the incredible advancements shaping the future of engineering and technology.”
— Suzanne Deffree, VP and Group Portfolio Lead, Manufacturing by Informa (signalintegrityjournal.com)
What’s next
DesignCon 2026 is scheduled to take place from February 19-21, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
The takeaway
The diverse keynote lineup at DesignCon 2026 reflects the wide-ranging advancements transforming the electronics design industry, from quantum networking and agentic AI to space technology innovations. The conference will serve as a hub for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and inspiring the next wave of breakthroughs in this dynamic field.
