The Open Source AI Ecosystem: From the Big Picture to Today’s Tools

Speaker: Rhys Faler

Room: CC 236

Time: Sun 10:25 am – 10:55 am

Format: Lecture (30 Min + Q&A)

Difficulty: Introductory

Track: AI / ML

Presenter Location: In-person

Experience: several-th time speaking

At: at lfnw

Description:

Is it possible to have state‑of‑the‑art Artificial Intelligence without giving up privacy or relying on a corporate cloud? In 2026, the answer is yes — thanks to the rapid rise of the Open Source AI ecosystem. This session provides a high‑level tour of the global landscape, highlighting how different innovation hubs contribute to the movement:

China — Efficiency

Europe — Sovereignty

Abu Dhabi — New Architectures

Seattle — Transparency

Rhys will then explore some of the strongest open‑source AI tools available today, covering both horizontal (general‑purpose) and vertical (specialized) solutions. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how open‑source AI has become competitive with proprietary systems — while remaining fully under user control.

Whether you're integrating AI into your workflow or simply concerned about privacy in a rapidly evolving field, this talk offers essential context for navigating the world of Open Source AI.

Target Audience:

Activists

Developers

Users