2026-06-19 –, D105 (capacity 300)
As AI models become central to our development stacks and platforms, the community faces a critical question: what actually makes AI "Open Source" ? This session dives into the heart of the Open Source AI debate, giving developers, maintainers, and contributors the tools to cut through the hype, defend open-source principles, and build transparent AI ecosystems.
Following a quick baseline on AI/ML mechanics, attendees will learn how to:
- Navigate the Paradigm Shift: Understand why defining Open Source AI is fundamentally different (and harder) than traditional Open Source Software.
- Stress-Test Openness: Apply community frameworks like the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) and Foundation Model Transparency Index to evaluate the models you use and build.
- Spot the Fakes: Break down the technical realities of "open weights" and learn how to call out deceptive "openwashing" in the ecosystem.
Alfonso Cancellara is a Technical Account Manager at Red Hat specialized in OpenShift, though his true passion lies in the "Open Source Way", the art of balancing enterprise-grade stability with the rapid, unbridled innovation of the community.
A familiar face at Red Hat summits and IBM events, Alfonso is equally at home in local community meetups. He is a dedicated community builder, notably serving as the primary orchestrator for Red Hat’s involvement in Linux Day Italy.