JVM to GraalVM: Redefining Java ; Reading systems together

Topic 1: From JVM to GraalVM: Redefining Java’s Write Once, Run Everywhere
Abstract : Java’s promise of “Write Once, Run Everywhere” has shaped its identity for decades. At first, this meant JVM bytecode running across operating systems and hardware. But as developers needed more speed and access to native code, Java evolved: JNI provided low-level native bindings, JNA simplified them, and today Project Panama with the Foreign Function & Memory API with jextract makes working with native libraries far easier. At the same time, new demands like GPUs and accelerators led to TornadoVM, bringing Java into heterogeneous computing. Today, GraalVM takes Write Once Run Everywhere further by turning the JVM into a polyglot runtime, running not just Java but also languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby all on the same platform. If you want to gain a clear picture of how Java has grown from simple cross-platform portability to a powerful runtime that spans CPUs, GPUs, and multiple programming languages, understanding where Java stands today and how it continues to evolve for the future this talk is for you
Speaker Bio:
Varada M is a Software Developer at IBM India Software Labs, Kochi, where she contributes to OpenJDK development on AIX/PPC64. As an active committer and contributor to the OpenJDK project, she plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing platform support. Varada holds a degree in Computer Science (Class of 2022). She is involved in the developer community and has presented her technical insights at events such as JAVAFEST 2024, SOFTCON’24, Bangalore JUG, and Kochi JUG.

Elsa Zacharia is a software developer at IBM India Software Labs, Kochi, with expertise in Java and Python. She is an active committer and contributor to the Eclipse Platform project. she works within the IBM Eclipse SDK team, specifically targeting enhancements in Platform UI and the SWT component for Mac platforms. Elsa’s certifications range from Java programming through Enterprise Design Thinking to Cloud Essentials, highlighting a diverse spectrum of knowledge. Elsa also likes to share her learning journey through blogs and by speaking at tech events and conferences, deepening her understanding and sharing insights with others.

Topic 2 : Reading systems together
Abstract : Modern software stacks look magical from the outside, but their core is surprisingly simple and elegant! instead of talking about systems, what if we read them together? lets explore the kernel code of widely used systems (jvm, cloud runtimes, ai engines, event loops) and interpret each line, guided by their design. this is our 2026 experiment: slower learning but deeper understanding, informal conversations but with long lasting impact!
Speaker Bio:
Gireesh Punathil is an inventor, leader, mentor, author and speaker as well as committer or steering committee member for several leading open source projects. He is a Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM, and develops and supports Java and Eclipse runtimes. He is a prolific speaker and an advocate of polyglot languages, runtimes, tools and frameworks.