About the Event
Join Applied AI Society and Startup Island TAIWAN - Silicon Valley Hub for an intimate fireside chat exploring the future of open source software, AI infrastructure, and the investment opportunities shaping the next generation of technology.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform every industry, the underlying infrastructure powering this revolution—from open source frameworks and developer tools to compute, chips, data platforms, and agent ecosystems—has become one of the most important areas of innovation and investment.
This evening brings together leaders from the open source, enterprise AI, and venture ecosystems to discuss where the market is headed, what technologies matter most, and how founders, investors, developers, researchers, and operators can participate in the next wave of growth.
Whether you're building, investing, researching, or simply curious about the future of AI, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders and connect with others shaping the ecosystem.
Discussion Topics
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The future of open source AI and why it matters
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Investment opportunities across the AI infrastructure stack
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The evolving role of foundation models, agents, and developer platforms
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Open source business models and lessons from successful companies
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AI compute, GPUs, NPUs, and the future of hardware acceleration
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Enterprise adoption of open source AI technologies
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The role of organizations like the Linux Foundation and PyTorch Foundation in shaping the ecosystem
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What investors are looking for in AI and infrastructure startups today
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Predictions for the next 5–10 years of AI innovation
Agenda
5:30 - 6:00 PM｜Registration & Light Dinner
6:00 - 6:05 PM｜Opening Remarks
6:05 - 6:45 PM｜Fireside Chat
6:45 - 7:00 PM｜Audience Q&A
7:00 - 7:05 PM｜Group Photo
7:05 - 8:00 PM｜Networking
Meet the Speakers
Stephen Messer
Co-Founder & CEO, Collective[i]
Stephen Messer is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and technology executive best known as Co-Founder and CEO of Collective[i], an AI-powered revenue intelligence platform helping enterprises leverage data and machine learning to improve sales performance. Over the course of his career, Stephen has founded and scaled multiple technology companies and has become a respected voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and venture-backed innovation.
Matt White
CTO, Linux Foundation & PyTorch Foundation
Matt White serves as Chief Technology Officer of both the Linux Foundation and the PyTorch Foundation, helping guide the technical strategy behind some of the world's most influential open source ecosystems. With deep expertise in cloud infrastructure, AI platforms, developer tooling, and open source governance, Matt works closely with maintainers, enterprises, and communities building the future of software and artificial intelligence.
Alex Chen
Qualcomm | Recently Exited Founder
Alex Chen is Director of Engineering at Qualcomm, joining through Qualcomm's acquisition of Nexa AI, the company he founded to advance efficient and accessible AI on consumer devices. He led the development of NexaSDK and contributed to research initiatives including Octopus, OmniVLM, and OmniAudio. Alex holds a PhD from Stanford University and previously served as an Investment Scout for Sequoia Capital. His work focuses on AI systems, edge computing, model optimization, and the future of on-device intelligence.
Moderator
Arjun Rai
Arjun Rai is a product leader, entrepreneur, and community builder focused on artificial intelligence, open source software, and emerging technologies. Through Applied AI Society, he brings together founders, investors, researchers, students, and operators to explore the future of AI, open source, infrastructure, venture capital, and deep technology through events, conferences, fireside chats, and educational programming. He also works at OpenTeams.com on product and partnerships and OTIncubator.com (a Venture Studio) + Open Tech Ventures (VC Firm) on Investor Relations and Partnerships. Learn more at ArjunRai.me.
Organized By
Applied AI Society
Applied AI Society is a community of founders, investors, researchers, operators, developers, and technologists dedicated to advancing the future of artificial intelligence through education, collaboration, and innovation.
Through fireside chats, conferences, workshops, podcasts, networking events, and industry partnerships, Applied AI Society creates opportunities for meaningful conversations around AI, open source software, venture capital, infrastructure, hardware, and emerging technologies.
Our mission is to help connect the people building the future—from students and researchers to startup founders, enterprise leaders, and investors.
Learn more at AppliedAISociety.org.
Startup Island TAIWAN - Silicon Valley Hub
Startup Island TAIWAN is a national initiative supporting Taiwanese startups expanding globally. Located in Palo Alto, the Silicon Valley Hub connects founders with investors, corporate partners, and innovation ecosystems while serving as a bridge between Taiwan and Silicon Valley.
The Hub regularly hosts events, delegation visits, founder programs, and ecosystem gatherings that strengthen collaboration between Taiwan's technology ecosystem and the global innovation community.
Learn more at https://sv.startupisland.tw/.
Space is limited. Register early to secure your spot and connect with founders, investors, open source contributors, AI researchers, and infrastructure leaders from across Silicon Valley.
