Artificial Intelligence (AI) is giving rise to a new discipline: AI Engineering. From intelligent code generation to automated testing and deployment, AI is enhancing developer productivity and enabling the creation of more robust, scalable applications.
Join this free webinar on September 11, 2026 from 12 p.m ET to 1 p.m. ET to explore the skills behind AI Engineering, and how AI is changing the way we design, develop, and deploy applications. Whether you're a seasoned developer or new to the field, this session will provide valuable insights into the integration of AI into modern development workflows.
What you will learn:
- AI in the development lifecycle: Understand how AI tools are integrated into various stages of application development, from planning to deployment.
- Intelligent coding assistants: Explore tools like GitHub Copilot and how they assist in code generation and optimization.
- Automated testing and deployment: Learn about AI-driven testing frameworks and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
- Real-world applications: Examine case studies showcasing successful AI integration in application development.
- Future trends: Gain insights into emerging trends and how to prepare for the evolving landscape of AI Engineering.
You will also hear about WatSPEED's Back-End and Intelligent Systems Development program and better understand how the program integrates hands-on skill building into your learning experience.
Meet your workshop host
Larry Simon
Back-End Development Program Lead
Larry Simon is an entrepreneur, management consultant, and angel investor, specializing in IT strategy and data analytics. He is the founder and managing director of Inflection Group and has over 30 years of experience advising startups, global corporations, and government institutions.
Larry was previously a partner with Ernst & Young Consulting, their CTO and national director of their strategy and delivery centres. Larry is the lead for the Back-End and Intelligent Systems Development certificate program at WatSPEED, University of Waterloo.
Register to attend the webinar!
Don't miss on this opportunity to meet your course instructor, ask questions, and learn more about what makes this innovative program so unique.
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Learn more about the Back-End Certificate Program
Take a practical, real-world approach in building secure, reliable, back-end systems with cutting-edge AI tools, expert guidance, and industry gold-standard coding practices.
Questions? Let's chat!
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
FAQ
Is this webinar free?
Yes. This is a complimentary online workshop offered by WatSPEED at the University
of Waterloo on September 11, 2026.
Who should attend this webinar?
This session is designed for developers, back-end engineers, and technical professionals
who want to understand how AI is changing application development — whether you're
a seasoned developer or new to the field.
What is AI Engineering?
AI Engineering is the emerging discipline of building and deploying software with
AI at its core — combining software engineering fundamentals, back-end architecture,
and the use of AI tools and coding agents throughout the development lifecycle.
How is AI changing application development?
AI is being integrated into every stage of application development, from planning
and intelligent code generation to automated testing, CI/CD deployment pipelines,
and ongoing monitoring — improving developer productivity and enabling more robust,
scalable applications.
Do I need prior AI or programming experience to attend?
No prior AI experience is required. Whether you're a seasoned developer or new to
the field, this session is designed to provide valuable insights into integrating
AI into modern development workflows.
What will I learn in this session?
You'll learn how AI fits into the development lifecycle, how intelligent coding assistants
like GitHub Copilot support code generation and optimization, how AI-driven testing
and CI/CD pipelines work, real-world case studies of AI integration, and emerging
trends shaping the future of software engineering.
What is the difference between a back-end developer and an AI engineer?
A back-end developer focuses on building the server-side logic, databases, and infrastructure
behind an application. An AI engineer builds on those same back-end fundamentals while
also applying AI tools, models, and coding agents to build, automate, and scale intelligent
systems.
Is this webinar recorded?
Yes. A recording will be shared with registered participants after the session.
How long is the webinar?
The session will run for approximately 60 minutes, from 12 to 1 p.m. ET on September
11, 2026, including time for audience Q&A.
How do I attend?
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom access link
prior to the event.
Does this webinar relate to a WatSPEED program or course?
Yes. This webinar introduces concepts covered in WatSPEED's Back-End and Intelligent
Systems Development certificate, including hands-on skill building in back-end frameworks,
security, cloud deployment, and AI-powered coding.
What skills are needed for a career in AI Engineering?
In-demand AI Engineering skills include back-end frameworks and architecture, cloud
services, database and security fundamentals, and applied experience with AI coding
agents and large language model tools used in modern development workflows.
How do I continue learning after this session?
You can continue your learning through WatSPEED's Back-End and Intelligent Systems
Development certificate, which provides structured, applied training aligned with
industry needs, including a course shared with WatSPEED's AI Certificate: Agentic
AI.