# Locknote: Reasons to be Cheerful: 0, 1, 2 - Emmz Rendle - NDC Copenhagen 2026

## Executive summary

The talk presents a highly optimistic overview of technological progress across multiple domains, arguing that advancements in AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology are solving complex global problems. While addressing concerns about job displacement and climate change, the speaker emphasizes that these technologies—such as specialized LLMs (Gemma 4, Qwen 3.6) for code generation or CRISPR for personalized medicine—are tools that enhance human capability rather than replace it entirely. The presentation also touches on hardware advancements like shared memory architectures and post-quantum cryptography standards.

## Key takeaways

- AI in Diagnostics and Genomics: AI models are revolutionizing medicine by analyzing complex data sets, such as MRI scans (sub-millimeter slice images) to flag issues for radiologists. Furthermore, DNA/RNA analysis can detect hereditary disease risks and enable custom per-patient cancer treatments.
- Quantum Computing Threat and Solution: The advent of powerful quantum computers (e.g., those capable of running Shor's algorithm) will render current classical cryptography (RSA, Diffie-Hellman, EDCSA) obsolete. The industry is responding by adopting post-quantum cryptography standards approved by NIST, specifically mentioning Dilithium and Kyber.
- AI for Software Productivity: LLMs are not replacing programmers but acting as a new programming paradigm. They can generate functional code that is safe to put into production, allowing developers to focus on engineering the system's logic rather than manual typing.
- Advancements in Robotics and Automation: Robotics are advancing through LLM-driven operating systems (like Gemini Robotics 1.5) that allow robots to reason through steps necessary for tasks, enabling scalable deployment across multiple units.
- Sustainable Energy and Climate Solutions: New technologies include solar windows (generating electricity while visible) and 'solar canals,' which use floating panels over irrigation channels to prevent water evaporation and generate power.

## Technical details

- AI Model Efficiency & Hardware: The speaker demonstrated running large language models like Gemma 4 and Qwen 3.6 (26B/31B parameters) on a laptop with an M3 Max chip and 36 gigs of RAM using four-bit quantization. The NVFP4 format was highlighted as an improvement for lower-level, more sensitive scaling.
- Hardware Architecture: Modern hardware trends favor shared memory architectures (like those in Macs and RTX Spark laptops) over traditional CPU/GPU setups that require constant data copying, improving efficiency when running complex AI models.
- Biomedical Engineering: CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is used for editing RNA. A case study involved a baby receiving a customized lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivered bespoke base editing therapy to fix a CPS1 deficiency, leading to full recovery.
- Quantum Cryptography: Post-quantum cryptography standards are being adopted by banks and institutions. The two key algorithms mentioned for resistance against quantum attacks are Dilithium and Kyber.

## Practical implications

- Developers should leverage AI tools to enhance productivity by focusing on system architecture and testing rather than manual coding.
- The industry must prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptographic standards to secure data against future quantum attacks.
- Build engineers can anticipate integrating advanced sensing (MRI, genomics) and robotics into systems, requiring robust, scalable, and AI-driven infrastructure.
- Focusing on energy efficiency in logistics and construction is critical, with solar/wind integration becoming standard practice.

## Topics

Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology (CRISPR), Robotics, Sustainable Energy, Software Engineering Productivity, NIST, Gemma 4 / Qwen 3.6, NVFP4, Gemini Robotics 1.5

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0TegMh8k4s