The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source From GitLab to Kilo Code (Interview)
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Jan 7, 2026 
Sid Sijbrandij, founder of GitLab and pioneer in open-source software, dives into his transformative journey through a cancer diagnosis while leading new ventures in biotech. He shares insights on his multi-option therapeutic approach and travels for diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of innovative treatments. Sid also introduces Kilo, his latest all-in-one agentic engineering platform that integrates lessons from his GitLab days, reflecting on the future of AI-assisted coding. His resilience and forward-thinking vision inspire listeners to embrace challenges in both health and technology.
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From Diagnosis To Emergency Treatment
- Sid discovered a six-centimeter bone tumor on his spine and underwent rapid surgery, radiation, chemo, and a spinal fusion.
- He also received a single-patient IND treatment from a friend’s experimental drug developer that became pivotal to his care.
Combine Treatments With First‑Principles Safety Checks
- When combining parallel treatments, analyze toxicity overlaps and consult specialized pathologists to avoid organ overload.
- Use first-principles reasoning and multiplex diagnostics to choose compatible combinations rather than random mixes.
Why Some Trials Move Faster In China
- China provided extremely fast diagnostics and trial execution due to high patient volume and centralized investigators.
- That speed enabled trials and scans not readily available or as fast in the U.S., accelerating actionable insights.