Strategic Materials Conference (SMC) 2026

Beyond the AI boom lies a challenge—and opportunity—that is far more foundational: ensuring the materials ecosystem underpinning a trillion industry can support the next era of innovation. As artificial intelligence accelerates demand for advanced hardware, energy infrastructure, and high‑performance components, the pressure on global materials supply chains has never been greater. This year, SMC explores how industries can achieve scale readiness through smarter design, diversified sourcing, sustainable processes, and breakthrough materials science. It invites leaders to look past the excitement of AI itself and toward the essential building blocks that will determine whether this technological revolution is secure and sustainable.