SELECT * FROM build2026_sessions WHERE postgres = true;
Microsoft Build 2026 is around the corner, and this year it’s shaping up to be a big one for PostgreSQL experts and enthusiasts. If you’re a developer working with Postgres, or just love exploring new database technology, there's plenty to get excited about. Microsoft’s new cloud-first evolution of PostgreSQL, Azure HorizonDB, alongside sessions featuring Azure Database for PostgreSQL, will highlight how Postgres is powering the next wave of AI-driven applications. A new horizon in Postgres Build 2026 arrives at a time when the role of databases in modern apps is evolving rapidly. From enabling AI model integration to scaling seamlessly across the cloud, PostgreSQL developers today are dealing with more complex demands than ever. That’s why Azure HorizonDB – Microsoft’s new cloud-native PostgreSQL service – is generating so much buzz ahead of Build. What is Azure HorizonDB? In short, it’s a reimagined version of PostgreSQL designed for cloud-scale performance and AI-era workloads. Azure HorizonDB, introduces a distributed architecture that decouples compute and storage, delivering sub-millisecond latencies and three times the throughput of self-managed Postgres at massive scale. It aims to preserve Postgres’s beloved features and SQL ecosystem while adding next-generation capabilities: built-in vector indexing for high-speed AI/ML retrieval, the ability to run AI models and vector operations directly in the database, and multi-zone replication for resilience. For Postgres developers, this means less time stitching together external data stores or machine learning services – and more time building powerful apps on a unified platform that’s both familiar and built for the future. The bottom line: Microsoft Build 2026 is an ideal opportunity for developers to see Azure HorizonDB in action, learn best practices for modern PostgreSQL architectures, and understand how to leverage Postgres in new scenarios like generative AI and multi-agent applications. Read on for a rundown of sessions covering these topics, complete with what you’ll learn from each one. Top sessions for PostgreSQL databases on Azure Below are key sessions tailored for PostgreSQL users and those interested in Azure HorizonDB, with session types and highlights of what you’ll gain by attending. 🎤 Breakout: From Rows to Reasoning: Designing Databases for AI Apps and Agents (BRK223, 45 min, in-person and digital options) Discover how to architect databases that can power tomorrow’s intelligent applications. This technical breakout will show how AI-ready databases can move beyond plain transactions. You’ll see live demos of integrating transactional, analytical, and vector data in one unified platform, with Azure’s new database capabilities, including Azure HorizonDB. Learn how to simplify your stack by eliminating separate analytics engines or vector stores. The session will highlight patterns that reduce data movement and latency so your apps can efficiently reason over live data with minimal complexity. 🧪 Hands-on lab: Create Advanced Postgres-Powered Agentic Apps with Azure HorizonDB (LAB511, 75 min, in person and digital options) Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on building a real multi-agent AI application with Postgres. In this advanced lab, you’ll create a production-ready AI agent powered by Azure HorizonDB as an all-in-one data, search, and intelligence layer. Experiment with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) by combining semantic vector search (DiskANN) with traditional SQL queries right inside the database. Implement hybrid search and agent workflows without resorting to external vector databases or glue code – thanks to HorizonDB’s built-in vector indexing and in-database AI model capabilities. This lab is perfect for developers who want to experience how HorizonDB can simplify your stack and boost performance for AI-driven apps. Multiple hands-on labs are offered to suite your schedule. 💻 Demo: Simplify App Dev with Cloud-Native PostgreSQL in Azure HorizonDB (DEM364, 25 min, in-person and digital options) See how to cut your development time and complexity with built-in AI and search features in Postgres. This fast-paced demo shows how Azure HorizonDB helps eliminate the need for separate search engines and AI services by pulling those capabilities straight into PostgreSQL. Expect to learn how you can run hybrid vector + keyword queries using SQL, integrate AI models directly from within the database, and apply full-text search (BM25) and semantic ranking to get smarter results. If you’re eager to deliver intelligent apps faster, with fewer moving parts, this session will show how HorizonDB simplifies your architecture without sacrificing performance. ⚡Lightning Talk: Cloud-Native PostgreSQL, Rebuilt for Scale: Azure HorizonDB (LTG413, 15 min, in-person only) Get a rapid-fire introduction to the architecture behind HorizonDB’s eye-popping performance. This short talk dives into how HorizonDB re-architects core PostgreSQL to deliver effortless scale out and blazing speed. Learn how decoupled compute and storage, predictive caching, and multi-region replication combine to achieve sub-millisecond query latencies and 3× higher throughput than standard Postgres. If you care about performance tuning and high-scale database design, don’t miss this quick primer on the tech under HorizonDB’s hood. 👥 Interactive Table Talk: Scaling PostgreSQL for AI Apps: Patterns and Tradeoffs (TT622, 45 min, in-person only) Bring your questions and ideas to this collaborative discussion. In this open round-table session with community and Microsoft experts, you’ll explore architecture patterns for scaling PostgreSQL to meet the demands of agent-based and AI-driven applications. Discuss real-world strategies for handling vector embeddings in Postgres, unifying relational and document data, integrating with AI models, and more. Compare the trade-offs between different scaling approaches – from monolithic to microservices, sharding strategies, and new technologies like HorizonDB – and learn where each design shines or struggles in production. Come ready to share your experiences and learn from others in the room. ▶️ On-Demand: Smarter PostgreSQL Migrations to Power Modern, Intelligent Apps (OD822, 30 min, digital only) Planning to migrate to Postgres or move your databases to Azure? Start here. This on-demand session focuses on new tools and proven strategies to migrate large-scale databases to Azure Database for PostgreSQL quickly and safely. You’ll see AI-assisted migration tools in action that minimize downtime and risk when moving terabytes of data. Just as importantly, you’ll learn how migrating to Azure unlocks advanced capabilities – from boosted performance and enhanced security to AI-ready features – helping you turn your newly migrated data into intelligent apps and services. On-demand session will be available to stream on the first day of Build. Meet the team: PostgreSQL expert meetups If you’re attending Build in person, stop by the Expert Meetup (EMU) area and head to the relational cloud databases booth. This is your chance to talk directly with the engineers and product teams behind PostgreSQL on Azure. Bring your questions about architecture decisions, scaling patterns, migrations, AI workloads, or anything else on your mind. Whether you want to sanity-check a design, dig deeper into something you saw in a session, or give direct feedback, the EMU space is designed for exactly that convo. How to get the most out of Build (and what to do next) With so much great content lined up, how do you decide where to start? It really depends on what you’re most excited about: Curious about AI and agentic apps: Start with From Rows to Reasoning, then go deeper with the Simplify App Dev with HorizonDB demo or get hands-on at the Azure HorizonDB labs to see how these ideas work in practice. Performance and scale are your focus: The short Lightning Talk on HorizonDB’s cloud-native architecture and the Table Talk on scaling Postgres will both provide unique insights and pro tips for running Postgres at massive scale. Planning a migration to PostgreSQL on Azure: Watch the Smarter PostgreSQL Migrations on-demand session to learn how to migrate large workloads with minimal downtime, and the benefits you can unlock after moving to Azure. Looking for real answers to your specific questions: Make time for the PostgreSQL Expert Meetup area to connect directly with the team. No matter which sessions you choose, Build 2026 promises to be an exciting event for the PostgreSQL developer community. Browse the session catalog, save the sessions that match your interests, and we’ll see you at Build.Essential Microsoft Resources for MVPs & the Tech Community from the AI Tour
Unlock the power of Microsoft AI with redeliverable technical presentations, hands-on workshops, and open-source curriculum from the Microsoft AI Tour! Whether you’re a Microsoft MVP, Developer, or IT Professional, these expertly crafted resources empower you to teach, train, and lead AI adoption in your community. Explore top breakout sessions covering GitHub Copilot, Azure AI, Generative AI, and security best practices—designed to simplify AI integration and accelerate digital transformation. Dive into interactive workshops that provide real-world applications of AI technologies. Take it a step further with Microsoft’s Open-Source AI Curriculum, offering beginner-friendly courses on AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and GitHub Copilot—perfect for upskilling teams and fostering innovation. Don’t just learn—lead. Access these resources, host impactful training sessions, and drive AI adoption in your organization. Start sharing today! Explore now: Microsoft AI Tour Resources.Microsoft Build 2024: Essential Guide for AI Developers at Startups and Cloud-First Companies
Generative AI is advancing fast, with OpenAI’s GPT-4o leading the way. GPT-4o boasts improved multilingual understanding, faster responses, lower costs, and real-time processing of text, audio, and images. This boosts new Generative AI (GenAI) use cases. Explore cutting-edge solutions like models, frameworks, vector databases, and LLM observability platforms. Born-in-the-cloud companies are at the forefront of this AI revolution. Be part of the future at Microsoft Build 2024!
Local AI on Windows: Explaining the Audio Editor App Sample
Take a look at an app sample from this year's Build that showcases three different local models being leveraged on Windows. Get a high-level overview of Silero Voice Activity Detection, Whisper Transcription, and MiniLM embeddings models, and how they are used to implement an "audio smart trimming" feature. All code for this sample has been open-sourced if you would like to dive into how the sample was built.Join the GitHub Challenge - Microsoft Build Edition!
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge AI technology, build new skills, and earn a special badge by completing our GitHub Challenge! This challenge offers a variety of resources to help you succeed, including interactive Microsoft Learn community events, live and recorded learning sessions delivered by experts, and training assets. The challenge ends until June 21, 2024. Take this unique time opportunity! Register here now: aka.ms/GitHubChallengeBuild
Microsoft Build 2023 Hero Announcements
We're announcing more than 50 updates for developers at Microsoft Build, from bringing Bing to ChatGPT, to Windows Copilot, to a new Copilot Stack with common extensibility, Azure AI Studio, and Microsoft Fabric, a new data analytics platform. Review the Build Book of News to see the full set of announcements
