An expert overview of post-training techniques for language models, covering the entire workflow from data generation and curation to advanced algorithms like Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT), Direct Preference Optimization (DPO), and Reinforcement Learning (RL), along with practical advice on evaluation and iteration.
This talk introduces Anaximander, a system designed to bridge the gap between traditional, GUI-driven Geographic Information System (GIS) workflows and modern, code-heavy machine learning practices. Anaximander integrates geospatial foundation models directly into QGIS, allowing experts to interactively orchestrate, run, and evaluate models for tasks like semantic segmentation and object detection on satellite imagery.
At Applied Compute, efficient Reinforcement Learning is critical for delivering business value. This talk explores the transition from inefficient synchronous RL to a high-throughput asynchronous 'Pipeline RL' system. The core challenge is managing 'staleness'—a side effect of in-flight weight updates that can destabilize training. The speakers detail their first-principles systems model, based on the Roofline model, used to simulate and find the optimal allocation of GPU resources between sampling and training, balancing throughput with algorithmic stability and achieving significant speedups.
A deep dive into the security vulnerabilities of Multi-Context Protocol (MCP) for AI agents. The talk explores how identity loss, "all-or-nothing" permissions, and disappearing audit trails create significant attack surfaces, and presents solutions like identity chain tracking, context-aware permissions, and intelligent auditing to secure agent-to-tool communication.
A detailed overview of a modular, five-agent system designed to combat the entire lifecycle of digital misinformation. Based on an ICWSM research paper, this practitioner's guide details the roles of the Classifier, Indexer, Extractor, Corrector, and Verifier agents. The system emphasizes scalability, explainability, and high precision, moving beyond the limitations of single-LLM solutions. The talk covers the complete blueprint, from agent coordination and MLOps to holistic evaluation and optimization strategies for production environments.
Panos Stravopodis, CTO of Elyos AI, shares the infrastructure and orchestration challenges of building production-ready voice AI agents. He details the four pillars for success—latency, consistency, context, and recovery—and provides engineering patterns for error handling, context management, and achieving conversational coherence in real-time systems.
Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, shares his unconventional journey and leadership philosophy. He provides a masterclass in building a multi-platform company through strategic M&A, explains why founders should sometimes ignore customers, and reveals how to lead with conviction while managing imposter syndrome.
Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack and Flickr, shares the product frameworks and leadership principles that guided his success. He delves into concepts like "utility curves" for feature investment, the "owner's delusion" in product design, and why focusing on "comprehension" is often more important than reducing friction. He also introduces powerful mental models for organizational effectiveness, such as combating "hyper-realistic work-like activities" and applying Parkinson's Law to team growth.
Intuit CEO Sasan Goodarzi discusses the operational playbook for reinventing a 40-year-old company, from its slow transition to SaaS to its early adoption of AI. He shares insights on winning the SMB market by treating small businesses like consumers, building effective channel partnerships, and developing a platform strategy. Goodarzi also details his leadership philosophy, emphasizing that grit and curiosity are more critical than raw talent.
Dr. Fei-Fei Li discusses the history of AI, from the creation of ImageNet that sparked the deep learning revolution to the future of AI with spatial intelligence and world models. She introduces 'Marble', the first large world model, and explains its potential to unlock new frontiers in robotics, virtual production, and scientific discovery, all while emphasizing a human-centered approach to technological advancement.
Ben Lorica and Evangelos Simoudis analyze the nuances of AI-driven layoffs, categorizing them into upskilling gaps, automation, and strategic R&D shifts. They also explore the immense pressure for ROI on AI infrastructure investments, leading to the emergence of LLMOps as a form of financial management and the critical need for breaking down organizational silos.
Founders Hassaan Raza and Quinn Favret detail Tavus's evolution from a personalized video tool to an AI research lab building real-time, agentic AI humans. They explore the foundational models for perception and rendering, the launch of Tavus PALs, and their vision for AI humans as the next major computing interface.
Venture capitalists Elliot Hershberg and Lada Nuzhna analyze the structural crises facing the biotech industry, from Eroom's Law driving drug development costs to $2.5 billion, to China's rapid, low-cost clinical trials outmaneuvering US startups. They argue that for American biotech to survive, it must shift from competing on commoditized platforms to inventing entirely new modalities and medicines that are impossible to create without bleeding-edge tools like AI, targeting massive opportunities like aging.
Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO of Flexport, explains how AI and Machine Learning are being implemented to revolutionize the multi-trillion-dollar logistics industry. He details specific applications, from ML models that optimize container routing to LLM agents that automate communication, and discusses the cultural and strategic shifts required for a large company to embrace AI-driven, bottom-up innovation.
Experienced CTO Meri Williams shares hard-won insights on scaling technology teams, moving from a reluctant manager to a seasoned leader. The discussion covers practical wisdom on avoiding the 'Google trap' of inappropriately copying big tech, the high-leverage impact of investing in onboarding, and the critical importance of diversity in building products that serve everyone.
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