Blender Kickstart 2026
Build the foundation today that will make AI work for you tomorrow
The starting point for your digital strategy for 2026: Build Smarter. Connect Smarter. Automate Smarter.
AI is evolving faster than organisations can keep up with. While autonomous systems are landing and industries are transforming across the world, many European organisations are falling behind in adoption. The real issue? The change has already begun, we simply don’t always see what’s happening right under our noses.
At Blender Kickstart 2026, we help you close that gap. Fountainheads will open with a sharp look at global technological acceleration. We then bring it directly to your reality: how do you move from isolated pilots to strategic AI impact, built on a future-proof foundation of low-code and integrations?
You’ll discover how Mendix, Workato and AI together form an agile platform strategy ready for 2026 and how you can start creating value within your own sphere of influence as soon as tomorrow.
Why you don't want to miss this event
AI is on everyone’s agenda, but the crucial question remains: how do you break out of the pilot phase and build an approach that truly moves your organisation forward?
It’s not the technology itself that creates complexity, but the context in which you’re trying to apply it:
- fragmented systems,
- limited integration capabilities,
- unclear business priorities,
- and teams without a shared AI strategy.
And that is exactly where the opportunity lies.
At Blender Kickstart 2026, we show how organisations create real impact by connecting AI to a solid foundation of low-code and integrations — and, more importantly, how to choose an approach that fits where your organisation is today.
You don’t want to miss this event if you’re looking for answers to questions such as:
- How do I ensure AI becomes more than a pilot or experiment within my organisation?
- How do I build a platform strategy that is adaptable without constantly starting from scratch?
- How do I close the gap between business ambitions and technological reality?
- What role do Mendix, Workato and AI play in the digital architecture of tomorrow?
You’ll see the power of Build Smarter, Connect Smarter & Automate Smarter in action — a strategic deep dive that helps you make clear decisions, supported by real examples from organisations already using AI successfully in their processes.
Who is it for?
This event is designed for leaders and teams responsible for digital strategy, innovation and platform development, including:
- CIOs, CDOs, CTOs and IT Managers
- Business and Innovation Managers looking to create value with AI
- Architects & integration specialists building a future-proof foundation
- Mendix & Workato teams wanting to apply AI strategically
- Professionals seeking direction for their digital roadmap for 2026
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
- AI gets stuck in pilots
- Your IT landscape is fragmented
- Integrations are slowing growth
- You need a platform strategy that truly scales
- You want to understand how AI can strengthen your organisation as soon as tomorrow
Whether you already work with Mendix/Workato or are considering them:
you’ll walk away with practical insights to make your organisation smarter, more agile and future-ready.
What can you expect?
- Real stories: Customers share their experiences and show how they combine Mendix, Workato and AI to accelerate processes and strengthen their platform strategy.
- Real insights: Not theoretical AI concepts, but real-world examples directly relevant to your systems, your teams and your digital strategy.
- Real impact: You leave with concrete ideas, a fresh perspective on your 2026 roadmap and a clear picture of what AI can do within your application and integration landscape.
Keep an eye on our LinkedIn company page for our speakers and client cases!
Inspiration
See how other organisations are making real progress with Mendix, Workato and AI and discover how you can take the same steps.
Free participation
Meet industry peers, thought leaders and innovators at a completely free event focused on knowledge sharing and inspiration.
Clarity
Get clarity on what really matters in AI in one afternoon, including practical frameworks and methods you can apply immediately.
What you will gain?
Blender Kickstart 2026 is not a standard event. It’s a focused session that helps you cut through the hype and gain real clarity on what AI can already mean for your organisation today and what is required to make meaningful impact in 2026.
You will leave with:
- Strategic clarity: a sharp view of where you stand, where you need to go, and which decisions you must make now.
- Real-world insights: how organisations combine AI, low-code (Mendix) and integrations (Workato) to accelerate processes and reduce complexity.
- Practical tools: directly applicable frameworks to bridge business goals with technological reality — including how to overcome business drivers versus legacy constraints.
- A future-proof 2026 roadmap: clear, realistic and aligned with your application, integration and data landscape.
- Next steps: the first actionable moves you can take tomorrow within your own sphere of influence.
No hype. No theoretical AI stories. Just proven approaches, strong examples and insights you can apply immediately to your digital roadmap.
The programme
Doors open at 13:00, the programme runs until 16:30, followed by our traditional networking drinks with warm bites. The perfect moment for meaningful conversations, new connections and a relaxed end to the afternoon.
13:00 Arrival & Welcome
13:30 — Keynote Fountainheads
A sharp, energising look at the global developments unfolding at high speed: who is leading the race, why Europe is falling behind, and why technological change often progresses faster than we realise.
A wake-up call that sets your mindset for 2026.
14:15 — Marijn van de Poel, CPTO Ciphix
Following Fountainheads, Marijn brings the macrotrends directly into your organisational reality: Which approach truly works and is this really just about AI?
He outlines the two types of organisations emerging today: pilot organisations and organisations that structurally anchor AI in their processes.
You’ll gain insight into the choices you can make today: what to prioritise now, what can wait until tomorrow and which processes deliver immediate value.
14:45 Break
15:15 — Mendix, Workato & Customer Cases: The Intelligent Enterprise in action
Mendix and Workato reveal how low-code, integrations and AI together form the foundation of a future-proof digital landscape.
Ciphix and customers, including Facilicom, Mental Care Group, Equipe, Louwman and Mourik, demonstrate how organisations are already accelerating processes, reducing complexity and realising scalable impact today. We also share our practical approach: how to quickly identify the right AI use cases, sharpen risks and move from idea to validated concept in just days.
16:30 — Marilou van Doorn, CEO Ciphix
A brief reflection on the opening message “wake up” and how today’s macrotrends translate into your organisational reality. Marilou shares her forward-looking perspective and the experiences that matter most to the challenges you face in the room. She concludes with a concise recap and is happy to address any remaining questions.
Sign up!
Ready to take your next step? Come to Blender!
Sign up below and find out how to turn ideas into concrete action.
Let strategy and technology come together and put yourself and your organisation ahead of the curve.
Please note: Only a limited number of seats are available.
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