2026 QT Qonference Returns to Toronto to Examine Trust, Power and Accountability in AI
Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQI+ tech conference returns November 18 and 19, with programming on responsible technology, leadership and career development, alongside the debut of OutPitch.
Montreal, QC - October 2026 | National nonprofit QueerTech has announced details of the 2026 QT Qonference (QTQ), taking place in person at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto on November 18 and 19, 2026. The two-day conference is expected to welcome more than 700 attendees from across Canada, bringing together 2SLGBTQI+ technology professionals, founders, executives, investors, nonprofit leaders, students and allies.
This year’s theme, Who Gets to Trust AI? Power, Participation & Accountability, will guide an examination of artificial intelligence systems; whose perspectives inform them, who needs to be included, and who bears responsibility when they fail. Through keynote presentations, expert-led discussions, technical talks and interactive workshops, participants will explore what meaningful participation and accountability look like for the people and organizations shaping tech in Canada.
QTQ 2026 is the flagship gathering of the QT Inclusive AI Initiative, QueerTech’s national initiative to advance responsible and equitable AI with the needs and experiences of its communities in mind.
“AI is transforming how we work, build businesses and create opportunities. As these technologies become part of our everyday lives, we need to ask who gets to shape them, whose perspectives are represented and who is held accountable when things go wrong,” said Naoufel Testaouni, Co-Founder and CEO of QueerTech. “At QueerTech, we believe trust in AI cannot be built without the meaningful participation of the communities it impacts. QT Qonference brings together our community, industry leaders and innovators to challenge assumptions, build relationships and help shape a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The agenda connects these questions to practical challenges across technology, leadership and professional development. Sessions will address safer AI products, transparency and governance, accountability, and the changing skills needed to navigate an AI-influenced workplace. Alongside the learning program, attendees will have opportunities to meet employers, build professional relationships and connect with potential collaborators through networking and one-on-one meetings.
New for 2026, OutPitch introduces a dedicated pitch competition and founder-investor experience for investment-ready 2SLGBTQI+ founders. Ten companies will pitch on November 18, with three advancing to the final on November 19. Beyond the competition, OutPitch will create opportunities for founders to build relationships with investors, executives and potential customers throughout the conference. The application and assessment process is delivered in collaboration with Ecosystem Partner, Spring.
This year also marks the introduction of expanded attendee programming. Specifically, tailored content tracks and agenda activations have been added for Service Providers, Executives, and Nonprofit Leaders.
To help reduce financial barriers to participation, QueerTech is offering a limited number of $50 scholarship tickets and volunteer opportunities, subject to availability. Information on these opportunities, the event agenda and registration is available on the QT Qonference 2026 event page.
The 2026 QT Qonference is made possible through the support of RBC, Bell, Evergreen Brick Works, EY, Scotiabank, and Sun Life.
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Media Requests: Lauren Hicks (media[at]queertech.org)
About QueerTech:
QueerTech is a national nonprofit advancing 2SLGBTQI+ talent, entrepreneurship, and inclusive technology across Canada’s tech ecosystem. Through community led programming, original research, strategic partnerships, and actionable inclusion tools, QueerTech builds pathways into tech and helps shape a more responsible and equitable technology industry. The organization is also a national leader in responsible technology advocacy and progressive 2SLGBTQI+ equity and inclusion policy facilitation.