Introduction

Event Overview: “Open Source Foundations: Building a Gen AI Stack with the Mixtral 8x7b LLM”

Pre-conference Event – Tuesday, June 04, 2024, 08:30—10:00, Location: C 03

Welcome to “Constructing the Future,” a 4-hour intensive bootcamp designed to get you started with Generative AI in building a solid yet flexible and secure tech stack. This workshop was tailored for business and technical professionals eager to unlock the transformative potential of Generative AI in their internal operations as well as in their products and services. As Generative AI continues to shape industries, understanding its foundational tech stack becomes crucial for harnessing its capabilities effectively and ethically. In this bootcamp, we built together a fully Open Source Stack based on the currently highest-rated Apache-licensed Language Model, the groundbreaking Mixtral 8x7b.

The first half of our comprehensive 4-hour workshop, titled “Open Source Foundations: Building with Mixtral 8x7b,” was dedicated to introducing participants to the foundational aspects of building a Generative AI tech stack using the open-source Mixtral 8x7b model. In these initial two hours, we focused on understanding the essentials of Generative AI, the architecture and capabilities of the Mixtral 8x7b model, and the critical importance of security in open-source AI systems.

Agenda Session I:

• Introduction to Generative AI & Open Source: Kicking off with an overview of Generative AI, emphasizing the transformative role of open-source models and frameworks.
• Deep Dive into Mixtral 8x7b: Exploring the architecture and potential of the Mixtral 8x7b model, understanding how it can be the cornerstone of your AI tech stack.
• Security Strategies for Open Source AI: Discussing the unique challenges and solutions for ensuring security and data integrity in open-source AI systems, setting a strong foundation for your projects.

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Event Overview: “Scaling and Optimizing Your AI Stack”

Pre-conference Event – Tuesday, June 04, 2024, 10:30—12:30, Location: C 03

Our workshop, “Scaling and Optimizing Open Source AI,” was divided into two parts. The second half focused on scalability, performance optimization, and leveraging community collaboration in open-source AI systems. Participants deepened their knowledge of strategies for scaling and fine-tuning open-source AI models like Mixtral 8x7b and explored how collaborative innovation can drive their projects forward.

Agenda Session II:

• Scalability in the Open Source Realm: Addressing the challenges and opportunities of scaling open-source AI systems. Discuss infrastructure choices, distributed computing frameworks, and harnessing the collective power of the community.
• Optimizing for Performance: Techniques for fine-tuning the performance of open-source AI models, including Mixtral 8x7b. Exploring tools for monitoring, code optimization, and achieving efficient resource utilization.
• Demonstrating Local LLM RAG: Demonstrating our local LLM RAG, a completely closed RAG solution for searching and answering questions. We showed how to modify and integrate it into existing systems or access OpenAI or any online generative AI if needed.
• Hands-On Collaboration: Interactive group activities applying the principles of open-source development. Conceptualizing and initiating the construction of a Generative AI tech stack using the Mixtral 8x7b model.
• Staying Ahead with Open Source: Insights into the dynamic nature of open-source AI. Discussing strategies for contributing to and benefiting from the community to ensure your tech stack remains cutting-edge and adaptable to future advancements.

By the end of this bootcamp, participants not only understood the mechanics of building with open-source AI like Mixtral 8x7b but were also equipped with the strategies to scale, optimize, and contribute to these projects, ensuring their tech stack is robust, efficient, and at the forefront of AI innovation.

Feedback and Connections

The feedback from our participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the depth of knowledge shared and the practical, hands-on approach that allowed them to apply what they learned directly. The interactive sessions fostered collaboration, leading to new connections and potential partnerships among attendees.

What Participants Said:

• “The workshop exceeded my expectations. The detailed exploration of the Mixtral 8x7b model was incredibly insightful.”
• “I loved the interactive elements. Working with others on real-world problems helped solidify my understanding.”
• “The emphasis on security in open-source AI was a game-changer for me. I feel more confident about implementing these technologies in my projects.”
• “The demonstration of the local LLM RAG was impressive. Seeing how easily it can be integrated into existing systems was very valuable.”

Conclusion

Our workshops continue to be a beacon for those looking to delve into the world of generative AI within the business domain. By providing in-depth, practical knowledge and fostering a collaborative environment, we help participants stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. We look forward to hosting more such events and continuing to build a community of innovative and connected professionals.