At Karakun, we closely follow trends in Java and modern software engineering. Jfokus 2026 marked 20 years of one of Europe’s leading developer conferences, covering topics from core Java to AI and cloud technologies. This article summarizes key insights, themes, and observations from the event.

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A Milestone for the Global Java Community

Jfokus 2026 at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre offered a unique experience for anyone with a professional interest in Java. The event marked a milestone for the Swedish developer community, as Jfokus celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Since its humble beginnings in January 2007, when just over 450 Java enthusiasts gathered in Stockholm for the very first edition, the conference has grown into one of Europe’s premier developer events, drawing around 2,000 attendees annually from across the globe. The 2026 edition, held from February 2–4, was not just another conference – it was a celebration of twenty years of community, code, and continuous learning.

From Java Conference to Multi-Track Developer Conference

Founded by Mattias Karlsson and organised in partnership with Javaforum Stockholm, Jfokus was driven by a passion to create an unparalleled experience for the global developer community.

Over the past two decades, it has remained at the forefront of software development – evolving from a tightly Java-focused gathering into a broad, multi-track conference covering AI/ML, DevOps, Cloud, and emerging technologies, all while staying true to its developer-first roots.

Two Decades of Growth in the Java Community

The first Jfokus was held in January 2007 and was an immediate success. With more than 450 participants, it became the biggest meeting place in Sweden for Java professionals. This marked the beginning of a format that has since gained recognition within the professional developer community.

Attending in 2026 offered a rare opportunity to meet the people who have shaped Jfokus over the years, like Johan Rhedin, who has been instrumental in crafting the conference’s branding and digital identity, or Jeanne Göthberg, who has been managing bringing people, ideas, and projects together to move Jfokus forward. Nowhere else have I encountered such a high concentration of Java Champions in one room as at the Jfokus Speaker Dinner.

Since its launch in 2007, the conference has developed into an established fixture in the global developer events calendar. For two decades, Jfokus has played a significant role in the evolution of Java conferences. Over the years, the conference has covered a wide range of Java-related topics and consistently engaged its audience.

A Unique Atmosphere: Where Tech Meets Nordic Mythology

The 20th anniversary highlighted this unique blend – where else do a Viking-inspired atmosphere and modern Java innovation come together so naturally?

This year, world-leading Java experts took the stage, contributing to an atmosphere that felt more like a celebration than a typical conference. The opening talk marked the beginning of a saga of fire and ice, creating a distinctive Nordic winter atmosphere with elements inspired by Nordic mythology – including visual effects and fire shows that complemented the theme.

The combination of cutting-edge software engineering innovations, imaginative conference design, and top-class performances has attracted an ever-growing number of visitors, including locals, international software developers, and world-class speakers.

The 20th anniversary of Jfokus was a significant milestone, enriched by its Nordic theme. Despite the wintery setting in Stockholm, the atmosphere was warm, driven by engaging conversations and a strong sense of community. The organization was smooth, the attendees were amazing, and the Viking spirit of the conference made the event stand out.

Key Topics: Java, AI, and Modern Software Engineering Trends

Over the years, the conference broadened its topics beyond core Java to include Frontend & Web development, Android & Mobile, Continuous Delivery & DevOps, Cloud & Big Data, Security, and alternative JVM languages.

One key takeaway was how rapidly AI is evolving and increasingly shaping the work of software engineers – as well as the pace at which software technologies themselves are advancing.

The talks and booths at Jfokus were both inspiring and insightful: attendees could learn about the latest features and innovations in Java and AI and how leading industry experts apply them in practice – across all areas of modern software development.

Expo and Networking Opportunities at a leading Developer Conference

One of the key advantages of attending in person was the exhibition floor, where some of the biggest names in the tech industry had set up booths. Companies from the Java ecosystem were represented, making it easy to walk up, start a conversation, and get direct insights from the engineers and advocates who actually build the tools developers use every day.

For many attendees, those informal booth chats turned out to be just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

Personal Highlight: The Mentoring Hub

My personal highlight was the Mentoring Hub: there were so many opportunities to exchange ideas with leading experts – either one-on-one or in small groups – on a wide range of professional development topics.

The mentors were eager to share their experience and knowledge. It proved to be an excellent way to gain meaningful advice for career development.

Beyond the Conference: Exploring Nordic Culture

Attending the conference also offered the opportunity to explore aspects of Viking history and culture, their way of life, and to visit, for example, the Viking Museum in Stockholm – a true Nordic highlight.

Setting the Standard for Modern Developer Conferences

The Jfokus conference series combines emerging technology topics, a distinctive Nordic-inspired atmosphere, excellent speakers, and a strong community focus, and it continues to set a high standard for developer conferences.

Let’s discuss!

Do you have questions about Jfokus, other developer conferences, or specific developer topics or AI? Feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to exchange knowledge, ideas, and experiences.