> Markdown version of [/events/world-congress-2026-north-america/sessions/1956-zta-zero-token](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-north-america/sessions/1956-zta-zero-token). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

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# ZTA: Zero Token Architecture


- **Date:** Friday, Sep 25, 2026
- **Time:** 16:10–16:40 (30 min)
- **Room:** Mainstage
- **Event:** World Congress 2026 North America

## Description

Infer once; run everywhere.

While burning tokens is being celebrated as a sign of productivity, it’s irresponsible to ignore the fundamentals around efficiency, and pragmatic engineering.

This talk aims to bring us back to reality.

## Speaker

### [Kelsey Hightower](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/@kelsey-hightower)

Minimalist


## Related talks at this congress

- [Responsible AI Architecture with Zero Trust Agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-north-america/sessions/1430-responsible-ai) — Ashok Prakash
- [Give the Agent a Budget, Not a Token](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-north-america/sessions/1695-give-the-agent-a) — Sachin Malhotra
- [Zero-Trust Architecture for Agentic AI: Securing Multi-User Access and Third-Party Integrations](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-north-america/sessions/1707-zero-trust) — Borko Djurkovic
- [public void saveMoney(AI): The Developer's Guide to Unit Economics](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-north-america/sessions/1427-public-void) — Hrushikesh Pokala

## Watch remotely

Can’t make it to San José? Watch this session live with Pro. You also get:

- All full videos, bookmarks, and playlists
- World Congress livestreams

[See pricing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/pricing)

## Links

- [Get tickets](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/world-congress-north-america/tickets)