• 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

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