COMPSAC Marks 50th Anniversary: Celebrating Agentic AI, Innovative Software, Computing Paradigms, and Applications Migrating from Reactive to Proactive Models

As the IEEE Computer Society celebrates 80 years of global leadership in 2026, its flagship conference on Computers, Software, and Applications (COMPSAC) will hold its own milestone 50th anniversary celebration in Madrid, Spain, 7-10 July, assembling a community of experts to honor a legacy spanning multiple generations. Experts from academia, industry, and government will gather to explore this year’s theme: “Agentic AI, Innovative Software, Computing Paradigms, and Applications Migrating from Reactive Models to Proactive Systems.” Distinguished professors, scientists, and industry professionals from around the globe will share their research and insights, highlighting both the practical applications and the future directions of agentic AI and the continuing migration from reactive to proactive models.

Fifty years ago, computing stood at a crossroads. As computational hardware grew more powerful, the software needed to run it was becoming unreliable, difficult to scale, and cumbersome to manage. For the IEEE Computer Society community, this “software crisis” became a pivotal moment—sparking thoughtful collaboration and collective problem-solving across the field. In response, the IEEE Computer Society community, led by Prof. Steve Yau, founded COMPSAC—not just as an academic conference, but as a vital link between theory and practice and between research and deployment.

Since then, COMPSAC has tracked shifts in computer science and engineering—from mainframes to microprocessors, from client/server to cloud computing, and now to artificial intelligence. Throughout it all, COMPSAC has remained a critical link, uniting researchers focused on developing practical applications of computer science. As we enter this next era of computing, COMPSAC’s mission is as crucial as ever.

We see this reflected in this year’s theme: “Agentic AI, Innovative Software, Computing Paradigms, and Applications Migrating from Reactive Models to Proactive Systems.” The shift from AI information generators and chatbots that respond to requests and actions to a technology that anticipates users’ needs and independently orchestrates and completes tasks marks a significant turning point in AI’s evolution and the move from reactive to proactive models.

Today, AI agents plan multi-step actions, make autonomous decisions, and learn through interaction, rapidly transforming the software landscape. According to Stanford’s 2025 AI Index, agentic AI has already begun to outperform humans in domains such as code generation assistance and time-critical decision-making. Major corporations are now integrating agent-based systems into their daily operations, enabling faster responses and more efficient services.

What excites me most about this shift is that we are at a convergence point—where AI, cloud, security, and compliance are coming together to redefine computing. COMPSAC 2026 offers a unique platform to address these challenges, with a focus on trustworthy, real-world systems, and to help shape the next decade of innovation.

Building on this momentum, the conference not only fosters technical advancement but also serves as a bridge between groundbreaking research and practical application. Bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government creates a collaborative environment where innovative solutions are discussed and refined.

Additionally, COMPSAC fulfills the IEEE Computer Society’s mission—Empowering Computer Science and Engineering Professionals to Fuel Continued Advancement—by linking research and practice, promoting worldwide collaboration, and advancing innovative ideas in emerging technologies. The conference’s focus on global engagement encourages the sharing of diverse perspectives, enriching the development of new approaches and technologies. Through COMPSAC’s efforts, advances in computing are implemented, trusted, and make a difference in the world.

This focus, along with cultivating community, keeps COMPSAC timely even after 50 years. The underlying problem we focus on—how to develop trustworthy, scalable, and impactful software systems—is arguably more challenging than ever. We continue to thrive by evolving with each wave of technology while staying grounded in real-world applications and partnerships with industry and academia.

The unique community within the larger IEEE Computer Society has kept me active over the years. It thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and action. I have teamed up with incredible volunteers worldwide to shape technical content and strengthen our growing community. We adapt alongside the industry we serve, and participating in that evolution has brought me both professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

COMPSAC's enduring success over the past 50 years also reflects foundational support from the IEEE Computer Society, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. This year, the IEEE Computer Society honors its heritage through stories and initiatives that connect its rich history with the global community's promising future. In doing so, it recognizes the generations of members and volunteers whose dedication has driven global innovation and continues to shape that future.

But beyond these achievements and milestones, COMPSAC’s true spirit shines in its commitment to collaboration and personal growth. Through dynamic sessions and networking opportunities, attendees are empowered to share ideas and build lasting relationships. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful interactions, the conference creates an environment where innovation thrives. It’s a community committed to shaping future leaders and cultivating lifelong connections. The value participants gain is as much about the people as it is about the content.

If I had one final message to leave with you, it is this: We need each other more than ever. Computing systems are becoming increasingly complex, and their influence extends to nearly every aspect of our daily lives. As technology evolves and expands its reach, collaboration and diverse perspectives become essential. They’re also more pervasive across every facet of society. No single discipline—and no single person—can tackle these challenges alone, which makes COMPSAC increasingly important to drive the connections that advance computing for the benefit of humanity. And for that reason, the conference stands the test of time.

This interview was with Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed, the standing committee chair for IEEE COMPSAC, and a professor and founding chair of the Computer Science Department at Marquette University.

For more information or to register for COMPSAC, visit https://ieeecompsac.computer.org/2026/.