Key milestones in deep learning, from the rise of transformers and generative models to advances in scaling, efficiency, and deployment
Speaker
Sylvain Viguier
Agenda
6:00pm - networking in BCS London over refreshments
6:30pm - presentation begins, leading to an "ask me anything" open discussion
8:00pm - networking in BCS London (pizza & refreshments)
8:45pm at the latest: everyone off the premises - adjourn to The Old Doctor Butler's Head to continue discussion if desired
Synopsis
Over the past five years, deep learning has been transformed from breakthrough models to systems that shape industry, science, and society. In this session, Sylvain Viguier, Director of AI at Graphcore, will guide us through the key milestones - from the rise of transformers and generative models to advances in scaling, efficiency, and deployment.
The talk will also explore the challenges ahead: compute limits, environmental impact, alignment, governance and the future of AI hardware and software. Following a 30-minute presentation, we will open the floor for an interactive debate, inviting participants to discuss where deep learning is heading next.
Time permitting, the session will include a demonstration of coding with AI. Notify the presenter in advance if you have a burning question to which you would like an in-depth answer: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/h5r68gBsN4b
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
Sylvain Viguier is Director of AI at Graphcore, where he leads a team of machine learning engineers developing large-scale AI applications and advancing hardware-software co-design. With over a decade of experience spanning Qualcomm, Entia, Zühlke and UCL, he has built expertise at the intersection of research, product strategy, and engineering.
Sylvain has contributed to open-source AI projects such as Hugging Face’s BLOOM and co-authored work on the environmental impact of large models.
Passionate about empowering people and driving innovation, he blends technical depth with a commitment to responsible AI and impactful real-world applications.
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