KubeCon 2025 draws 12,000 as Kubernetes thrives alongside AI workloads

Kubernetes and cloud-native technologies continue to thrive despite the rise of AI, as demonstrated by the unexpectedly successful KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2025 in London. With over 12,000 attendees packing the London ExCel center, the 11-year-old conference showcased the enduring importance of core infrastructure technologies that power modern applications, including AI systems themselves. The event revealed how Kubernetes is proving resistant to AI-based development approaches while simultaneously becoming essential infrastructure for AI workloads.

Why cloud-native technologies remain robust: Kubernetes and related technologies demonstrate surprising resilience against AI-driven development trends that are impacting other areas of software engineering.

• Infrastructure tasks require expertise and understanding of complex technologies that LLMs struggle to replicate effectively with current limitations.
• The rapid pace of change in cloud-native technologies means AI systems often produce outdated implementations that don’t reflect current best practices.
• Kubernetes has been central to AI infrastructure since the early days, with OpenAI building its systems on Kubernetes as far back as 2016.

The private cloud renaissance: After years of being overshadowed by hybrid cloud messaging, private cloud deployments are experiencing renewed interest and prominence at KubeCon 2025.

• AI development is driving businesses to build internal infrastructure for small language models and inferencing capabilities that protect sensitive proprietary data.
• Digital sovereignty concerns amid global uncertainties are pushing companies to deploy modernized private cloud infrastructures that ensure data integrity and protection.
• Modern private cloud implementations now provide the agility and flexibility of public cloud while offering greater control and security.

The big picture: The continued growth of KubeCon challenges expectations that the event might begin declining after reaching its 10-year milestone last year.

• Getting into keynotes was difficult with all seats in the main hall and overflow areas completely filled.
• Many discussions around AI focused on practical applications like automation and analytics, which Aberdeen research has identified as top use cases.
• The fall KubeCon event in Atlanta will be telling for whether this growth trajectory continues.