Introduction to Open Source and Local AI Models: Running AI Locally from Laptops to Servers
Location
Online
Date & Time
Tuesday 10 Feb 2026 12:30 - 13:30
Delivered by Dominik Lukes
Audience Exposure Level: Level 2: Sometimes use AI
This quick guide provides a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving landscape of open source and local AI models that can run without relying on external cloud services. The session will explore the spectrum of hardware requirements across devices, explain key technical concepts like model sizes and quantization, and introduce major model providers and deployment tools. Ideal for researchers, developers, and privacy-conscious users, this guide will help you navigate options for running sophisticated AI capabilities locally, from consumer laptops to dedicated servers.
Key points covered
- What are the current capabilities and limitations of locally-run AI models compared to cloud-based alternatives?
- How do hardware requirements scale with different model sizes, and what performance can you expect across devices?
- Which major organizations are developing open source models, and how do their offerings compare?
- What tools and platforms enable effective deployment and interaction with local models?
- How are on-device AI capabilities being integrated into mainstream operating systems and devices?
