Report: A session on Open LLM Hackathon
Date: 7th October 2024
Time: 10: 45 AM onwards
No. of participants: 240

Objective:
• Introduce students to the fundamentals of Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Demonstrate the use of APIs to access open-source LLMs.
• Enable students to leverage LLMs for real-world project development.
• Prepare and guide students for participation in the Meta-supported hackathon event.

Outcome:
• Basic understanding of LLMs.
• Utilizing APIs for getting access to open-source LLMs.
• Utilization of LLMs for projects.
• How to participate in the event

Program Highlights:

1. Introduction:
A session on Open LLM Hackathon was organized by the BCA Department and held in the 4th Floor Seminar Hall of the college. The event brought together students and faculties to explore the potential of open-source large language models (LLMs). The hackathon aimed to inspire participants to create innovative, real-world applications using these models, emphasizing accessibility, ethics, and creativity in the AI space.

2. Welcome Address:
Mr. Adhil A, Student of III Semester BCA, delivered a warm welcome address, who set the tone for the event by highlighting the significance of open-source AI, the role of LLMs in shaping the future of technology, and the importance of collaboration and ethical considerations in AI development.

3. Session by Resource Person:
The hackathon featured a Keynote address by Mr. Parth R. Singh, Program Manager and Tech Lead - AI & Future Tech, who provided valuable insights into the current state of AI and the future of large language models. During his session, Parth shared:

• The Power of Open LLMs: Mr. Parth emphasized how open-source models aredemocratizing AI and enabling more developers, researchers, and companies toleverage cutting-edge technology without the barriers of proprietary models.
• Applications in Industry: He presented case studies of how LLMs are being used in industries like healthcare, legal services, and customer support.
• Ethics and Responsibility: A significant portion of the talk focused on the ethical implications of AI, including the importance of bias mitigation and creating more transparent, fair, and accountable AI systems.
• Practical Insights: Mr. Parth also provided practical advice on how to fine-tune open LLMs, optimize model performance, and integrate them into real-world applications.

4. Vote of Thanks:
Mr. Viswajit, Student of VI Semester BCA, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the organizers, speakers, and participants for their contributions to the success of the session.

Conclusion:
The Hackathon session was an exciting and educational event that successfully brought together the tech community at College. The participants showcased the transformative potential of open-source large language models, developing applications that addressed important social issues and pushed the boundaries of AI technology.