SXSW London 2026 Confirms Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder and Top AI Pioneers as Headline Speakers

SXSW London is returning in 2026 with a powerful new roster of speakers. The festival confirmed its initial lineup on Wednesday. It will run from June 1 to 6, 2026.

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen will headline the event. He is set to discuss his brand’s social mission and its journey after separating from parent company Unilever. His appearance underscores the event’s focus on impactful leadership.

Change Makers and Tech Titans Take the Stage

Ben Cohen will speak under the “Change Makers” banner. He is a storied activist known for his vocal stances on social and political issues. His insights on aligning commerce with social good are highly anticipated.

He will be joined by Thomas Cwik from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Cwik brings decades of expertise in robotic space exploration. His talk will also address strategic responses to climate change.

AI’s Role in Reshaping Human Experience

The AI sector is strongly represented by Reflection AI’s Ioannis Antonoglou. His work on autonomous coding agents recently secured a massive £2 billion investment. This funding aims to accelerate progress toward artificial general intelligence.

He will explore “AI and the New Human Experience” with other leaders. This includes Joleen Liang of Squirrel AI and Victor Riparbelli, CEO of Synthesia. Their panel promises deep insights into the future of human-AI interaction.

The festival uniquely blends high-profile leaders with deep domain expertise. According to event organizers, this approach delivers material insights for building a better future. It aims to connect creative industries with cutting-edge technology.

Tickets for the 2026 edition are now on sale. A full list of speakers, including music, film, and television talent, will be announced early next year. The SXSW London 2026 speaker lineup solidifies its position as a premier crossroads for innovation, culture, and social change.

Thought you’d like to know

When and where is SXSW London 2026?

SXSW London 2026 is scheduled for June 1 to 6, 2026. The event will take place at various venues across London.

Who are some of the key speakers announced?

Key speakers include Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s and Thomas Cwik from NASA JPL. AI pioneers like Ioannis Antonoglou of Reflection AI are also featured.

What is the main focus of the 2026 event?

The event focuses on the intersection of technology, culture, and social innovation. It aims to provide insights from change makers and industry experts.

How can I get tickets for the event?

Tickets for SXSW London 2026 are currently on sale. You can purchase them through the official SXSW London website.

Will more speakers be announced?

Yes, a comprehensive list of speakers from music, film, and television will be released in early 2026. This is just the initial announcement.