The software engineering landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid evolution of generative AI, the complexities of developer productivity, and the need to balance innovation with human creativity. This talk reviews 2025's key trends - from AI-enhanced tools to the experimentation with agentic AI in software development life cycles - and ventures a peek into 2026.

Attendees will gain insights into how engineering teams can integrate AI into toolchains effectively, preserve creativity amidst automation, and navigate emerging challenges in developer experience and cybersecurity. With bold predictions and actionable frameworks, this session empowers leaders to balance efficiency with empathy, ensuring both organizational success and developer well-being in the face of accelerating technological change.

Key Takeaways:

- Understand the dual trajectory of AI in 2025: mature assistance tools versus experimental agentic AI.
- Integrate AI into existing workflows while preserving human creativity and innovation.
- Measure and enhance developer experience using a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics.
- Mitigate burnout by fostering a balance between efficiency, empathy, and team well-being.
- Adopt a data-driven approach to tackle productivity challenges and maximize AI’s potential.