Explore secure AI agent authorization with the Caracal team in this online LFDT Scotland talk on 2 October 2026 at 3:00pm, covering policy controls, attribution and auditability.
As autonomous AI agents move into production, long-lived API keys and overly broad permissions create serious operational and security risks. A prompt injection, leaked credential or runaway agent can trigger actions without a clear answer to two essential questions: which agent acted, and under whose authority? This session examines how teams can replace credential-centric access with authorization designed specifically for agentic systems.
What the talk will cover
The Caracal team will introduce Caracal, an open-source AI authorization system being developed through the LFDT LFX Mentorship programme, with support from GitHub, Microsoft and Vercel. The presentation will explore:
Why conventional API keys and identity models are insufficient for AI agents
What “authority” means within autonomous AI systems
The architectural design behind Caracal
Policy-based authorization for individual agent actions
Attribution, revocation and auditability
Practical approaches to securing agents in production
The discussion will also explain the limitations of existing infrastructure. Identity providers can register an agent without authorizing every action; secret managers distribute credentials without restricting each task; and API gateways route requests without necessarily deciding whether an agent should be allowed to make them. Caracal’s architecture is intended to address that gap while creating evidence security teams and auditors can use to understand what happened.
Speakers and audience
The meetup will be presented by Caracal team members Ryan Madhuwala and Shubham Sharma. LFX mentees Mohammad Ali Haider and Ashutosh Singh will also share their work on the project.
This technical session is particularly relevant to people working with AI security, identity and access management, application security, open-source infrastructure, decentralized systems or production AI agents. It should also be useful for engineering and security teams evaluating how to deploy autonomous systems with narrower permissions and stronger accountability.
The AI Social Discussion Group’s first meet-up brings people together for an informal evening of AI conversation at Cumberland Bar in Edinburgh. Hosted by Nick B., this inaugural gathering runs from 7:00pm to 9:00pm BST on Monday, 19 October 2026. It takes place at Cumberland Bar, 1–3 Cumberland Street, Edinburgh. The event is focused on social discussion around AI and offers attendees an opportunity to meet fellow members of the new community. No detailed agenda, named discussion topics or additional speakers have been published, so expect an open, informal meet-up rather than a structured workshop or programme of talks. Attendees can also access the Meetup event chat to connect with others before the gathering begins. Learn more about the AI Social Discussion Group. Register for the meet-up
A Scotland-focused panel on AI responsibility brings politicians and technical and policy experts to Edinburgh on 1 November 2026. Hosted by PauseAI Scotland at the University of Edinburgh’s Playfair Library Hall, this structured discussion will examine a pressing question: who is responsible when AI goes wrong? Panellists will consider how Scotland’s political, technical and policy communities are modelling AI’s threats, uncertainties, opportunities and possible responses. The event description contrasts AI governance with tightly regulated fields such as aviation, pharmaceuticals and nuclear technology. It cites a 2026 UN report on AI, warnings from frontier AI professionals and a reported AI model evaluation security incident as context for the debate. Schedule - 13:30: Doors open - 14:00: Welcome and keynote - 14:30: Panel discussion - 15:30: Planned break - 15:45: Audience Q&A - 16:00: Closing and networking, with light refreshments The second half of the discussion is dedicated to audience questions, followed by informal conversation between attendees and panellists. The event is suited to anyone interested in AI safety, public policy and accountability; no specific experience level is stated. Individual panellists have not yet been published on the event page. The event takes place at Playfair Library Hall, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, from 1:30pm–4:30pm GMT. Learn more about the organiser at PauseAI UK. Register for the panel discussion
Festival of AI 2026 takes place on October 16th at the iconic National Space Centre in Leicester, offering a refreshingly practical approach to artificial intelligence that cuts through the hype and delivers real value. Unlike typical AI conferences that recycle basic ChatGPT introductions, this event is built for action. The day begins with a friendly Introduction to AI to ensure everyone starts from the same foundation, then rapidly transitions into real-world strategy, tactical walkthroughs, and plug-and-play tools you can implement in your business immediately. What Makes This Event Different Every session focuses on actionable insights you can use the next day. You'll explore hands-on workshops with popular AI platforms, discover real-world case studies from businesses successfully using AI, and learn implementation strategies that actually save time and money. Whether you're testing AI tools like Claude and Gemini for the first time or already integrating automation workflows with platforms like Make and n8n, you'll find practical value tailored to your experience level. Who Should Attend This event welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. The inclusive community approach means solopreneurs, startup founders, enterprise teams, and AI enthusiasts all find relevant takeaways. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by AI jargon or frustrated by theoretical discussions that don't translate to real work, Festival of AI 2026 is designed specifically for you. What You'll Take Away - Implementation frameworks for AI tools that genuinely improve productivity - Real business case studies showing measurable ROI from AI adoption - Hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI platforms and automation tools - Networking connections with fellow AI practitioners and innovators - Strategic approaches for integrating AI into existing workflows - Forward-looking insights on AI trends that matter for your business The National Space Centre provides an inspiring backdrop for a day focused on innovation and practical learning. From strategy sessions to tactical workshops, every element is designed to ensure you leave thinking: "That was the most useful day I've ever spent on AI." Register for Festival of AI 2026
Build AI applications and agents at this free hybrid hackathon, running online from 16–19 October 2026 and on-site in Amsterdam on 19–20 October. The TechEx Amsterdam Hackathon is the official hackathon of AI & Big Data Expo Europe, organised by TechEx Events and lablab.ai. It gives participants the opportunity to create real AI projects in the context of one of Europe’s largest enterprise technology events, and, if approved for the in-person experience, present their work live at the expo. Build across enterprise technology Rather than limiting participants to a single use case, the hackathon invites projects spanning a broad range of connected technologies. You can develop AI applications and agents focused on: - Artificial intelligence and big data - Cybersecurity - Cloud technology and data infrastructure - Internet of Things and edge computing - Automation - Digital transformation This makes the event particularly relevant to AI builders, agent developers, technologists and product creators interested in applying emerging technology to practical enterprise challenges. The page does not specify a required experience level, but the emphasis is firmly on building and showcasing a working project. A two-stage hybrid format The programme combines a remote build period with an optional on-site experience: - 16–19 October: build your project online - 19–20 October: approved participants attend the on-site portion at RAI Amsterdam The physical venue is RAI Amsterdam, Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, placing selected teams directly inside the AI & Big Data Expo Europe environment. The live showcase is a distinctive opportunity to put your AI application or agent in front of people attending a major enterprise technology expo. On-site participation is subject to approval. Participants should also plan their logistics carefully: travel and accommodation are not covered by the organisers. Those taking part remotely can use the online build window, while the lablab.ai Discord community provides access to mentors and the event team. Register for the TechEx Amsterdam Hackathon
SotonShip 26 is a free, three-day applied-AI hackathon bringing 200+ builders to Eagle Labs in Southampton from 16–18 October 2026. Presented by the University of Southampton AI Society, the event has a direct mission: “Stop learning AI. Start shipping it.” Rather than focusing on AI theory alone, SotonShip creates a dedicated environment for turning ideas into tangible projects over one intensive weekend. What to expect Running across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the hackathon gives attendees three days to concentrate on building with AI. The event’s published “Manifest” sets out a three-day schedule, while its wider programme is organised around a mission and five pillars. Full details of those pillars and the timed agenda will be available through the event website. The format is aimed at people who want to move from exploring AI concepts to applying them. It should be particularly relevant to: - Students interested in practical AI development - Developers, makers and technical builders - Founders or aspiring founders testing AI product ideas - Creatives and experimenters looking for a focused shipping deadline - Anyone motivated by hands-on building rather than passive learning The organiser does not specify a required experience level on the published page. What unites attendees is the intention to make and ship: the event is explicitly framed as an applied-AI hackathon, not a conventional lecture series or classroom course. A builder-first hackathon in Southampton SotonShip 26 takes place at Eagle Labs in Southampton. With more than 200 builders expected, it offers a substantial in-person setting for focused project work alongside others who are actively experimenting with AI. The event also has a distinctive retro game and nautical identity. Its website presents the programme as a voyage, with a “Mission”, “Five Pillars”, “Manifest”, “Backers”, “Logbook” and “Boarding Pass”. The playful “insert coin” and “claim your seat” framing reinforces the core message: this is an event designed around participation and action. A logbook from the previous edition, plus dedicated sections for sponsors and partners, can also be explored through the event site. Entry is listed as free, but attendees still need to claim a place. Claim your boarding pass for SotonShip 26
Green Circles Manchester is an in-person AI hackathon on 16 October 2026, connecting AI builders with industry experts in Manchester. Build and connect around AI This one-day event offers AI builders an opportunity to step away from purely online discussion and meet people working with artificial intelligence in a practical, build-focused setting. The central proposition is simple: bring builders and industry expertise together in Manchester, creating space for technical exploration, new connections and conversations grounded in real-world experience. Green Circles Manchester is supported by Barclays Eagle Labs and Silicon Mingle. That combination of an AI builder community and industry backing makes the event particularly relevant to people who want to expand their network while spending time in an environment centred on creating with AI. Who it is for The hackathon is aimed at AI builders and people interested in connecting with industry experts. It may be especially relevant to: - Developers, makers and technical founders building AI products - Entrepreneurs exploring AI-enabled business ideas - Product professionals interested in applied artificial intelligence - Members of the Manchester technology community looking for builder-focused connections - People who value learning through practical events rather than conventional conference presentations The listing does not specify a required experience level, technical stack or set of participating tools. It also does not publish named speakers, challenge briefs, team requirements or judging criteria. Prospective attendees who need those details should check the registration information before booking. Event format and details Green Circles Manchester is listed as an in-person hackathon, taking place in Manchester, Great Britain, on Friday 16 October 2026. Unlike a standard talk-only meetup, its hackathon positioning signals a setting focused on builders and active participation, alongside access to industry perspectives. The published event description specifically highlights the connection between AI builders and experts as its defining feature.… Register for this event
