Nirav is the Founder & CEO of Framework Computer. On January 6, 2026, amidst the flash of AI gadgets at CES Las Vegas, Nirav Patel unveiled the Framework Desktop and the Framework Laptop 12, effectively completing his company’s ecosystem.
This achievement is exceptional for three reasons:
Defying the "Black Box" Economy: While competitors like Apple and Dell showcased sealed, un-upgradable AI PCs, Patel debuted a high-performance desktop that is 100% modular. The chassis features a unique "Tile System" that allows users to 3D print and customize the front panel, proving that "repairable" can also be aesthetically desirable.
Local AI for the Masses: He demonstrated that sustainable hardware doesn't mean low performance. The new desktop was shown running massive local AI models (like Llama 3) on swappable "Compute Modules," offering a privacy-first alternative to cloud-based AI that appeals to both developers and privacy advocates.
Closing the Loop: By launching the entry-level Laptop 12 (targeted at schools) alongside the pro-grade Desktop, Patel successfully scaled his "circular economy" model to every segment of the market. This launch silenced critics who claimed Framework was just a niche hobbyist brand, establishing it as a serious challenger to the "Big Five" PC manufacturers.
