# SplitVAEs: Decentralized scenario generation from siloed data for stochastic optimization problems

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.12328 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.12328/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 14 of its 41 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 18 Sep 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 14 of 14)

- [PyTorch: An Imperative Style, High-Performance Deep Learning Library](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.01703/) (2019)
- [A Style-Based Generator Architecture for Generative Adversarial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1812.04948/) (2018)
- [Analyzing and Improving the Image Quality of StyleGAN](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.04958/) (2019)
- [An Introduction to Variational Autoencoders](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.02691/) (2019)
- [Tune: A Research Platform for Distributed Model Selection and Training](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1807.05118/) (2018)
- [Split learning for health: Distributed deep learning without sharing raw patient data](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1812.00564/) (2018)
- [Detailed comparison of communication efficiency of split learning and federated learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1909.09145/) (2019)
- [Split Learning for collaborative deep learning in healthcare](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.12115/) (2019)
- [Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs Survey): Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.00065/) (2020)
- [Privacy-preserving Spatiotemporal Scenario Generation of Renewable Energies: A Federated Deep Generative Learning Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.07738/) (2021)
- [Wind Power Forecasting Considering Data Privacy Protection: A Federated Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.02674/) (2022)
- [The Creation and Validation of Load Time Series for Synthetic Electric Power Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1911.06934/) (2019)
- [Generation and Simulation of Synthetic Datasets with Copulas](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.17250/) (2022)
- [A Distributed Probabilistic Modeling Algorithm for the Aggregated Power Forecast Error of Multiple Newly Built Wind Farms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1812.07515/) (2018)

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Towards Trustworthy AI: Secure Deepfake Detection using CNNs and Zero-Knowledge Proofs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.17010/) (2025)
- [Theory Guided and Interpretable Neural Operator Design for Partial Differential Equation Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.33715/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Stochastic optimization problems in large-scale multi-stakeholder networked systems (e.g., power grids and supply chains) rely on data-driven scenarios to encapsulate complex spatiotemporal interdependencies. However, centralized aggregation of stakeholder data is challenging due to the existence of data silos resulting from computational and logistical bottlenecks. In this paper, we present SplitVAEs, a decentralized scenario generation framework that leverages variational autoencoders to generate high-quality scenarios without moving stakeholder data. With the help of experiments on distributed memory systems, we demonstrate the broad applicability of SplitVAEs in a variety of domain areas that are dominated by a large number of stakeholders. Our experiments indicate that SplitVAEs can learn spatial and temporal interdependencies in large-scale networks to generate scenarios that match the joint historical distribution of stakeholder data in a decentralized manner. Our experiments show that SplitVAEs deliver robust performance compared to centralized, state-of-the-art benchmark methods while significantly reducing data transmission costs, leading to a scalable, privacy-enhancing alternative to scenario generation.
