Future Tech And Foresight

Marc Verbenkov
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May 27, 2024 • 1h 3min

Cybersecurity in the Age of AI (With Steve Orrin of Intel) - Ep #144

Cybersecurity expert Steve Orrin from Intel discusses the impact of AI on cybersecurity, covering topics such as AI's role in private and public sectors, the evolution of cybersecurity work through AI applications, and Intel's involvement in this field. The podcast delves into the challenges and advancements in cybersecurity amidst AI growth, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and continuous vigilance.
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May 22, 2024 • 1h 1min

2 months in El Salvador. Bitcoin and the Future (Part 2) - Ep#143

A look at the new changes, policies, and thoughts that are transforming the small Central American country, El Salvador. A follow up from part 1 on a 2 month trip in the country. About the Episode:In this episode I’ll follow up on the first episode about EL Salvador but more about how things are changing AFTER the gangs had been imprisoned and the country became safe.I’ll discuss the new policies like Bitcoin being accepted as legal tender, as well as some of the rumors of beneficial policies coming in the next few years. Some points on what the local population thinks of all the new changes as well as some of the negative things that still exist in the country Timestamps : 00:32:28 - El Salvador's bitcoin adoption and challenges00:08:01 - El Salvador's security improvement and bitcoin city00:15:05 - El Salvador's local farming industry strategy00:18:32 - El Salvador's Citizenship programs and bitcoin bond 00:24:14 - transportation improvements and El Salvador's tax incentives00:27:25 - Marc's insights on El Salvador's expat community00:31:52 - El Salvador's three waves of change discussed00:35:41 - El Salvador's 4th wave of expats discussed 00:39:26 - Countries diverse population and challenges00:51:58 - Obesity and overweight rates in El Salvador00:56:08 - Marc's excitement on El Salvador and AI
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May 13, 2024 • 30min

2 months in El Salvador. Bitcoin and the Future (Part 1) - Ep#142

Marc Verbenkov shares insights from his trip to El Salvador, focusing on its historical challenges and recent societal changes to setup a part 2 where current transformations will be looked at in detail. About the Episode:In this episode, Marc Verbenkov touches on his experiences during a month-long remote work trip in El Salvador, a country that has recently undergone significant transformations. Marc mainly explores El Salvador's historical context, emphasizing its socioeconomic struggles and the long-lasting effects of the civil war. The episode also covers the drastic reduction in violence following aggressive measures against gangs, setting the stage for a deeper analysis in Part 2 of the series where he will discuss the country's adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender and its impact. Timestamps: 00:00:32 - Marc's return from El Salvador00:04:13 - El Salvador's history and political stability00:10:20 - gangs in El Salvador origin and growth factors00:15:14 - gangs impact on business and economic growth00:21:42 - El Salvador's operation Rahim and homicide reduction00:26:50 - El Salvador's progress and future prospects00:28:23 - Episode ends Sources: https://elsalvadorinenglish.com/2024/01/29/el-salvador-on-track-to-make-history-with-lowest-january-homicide-rate/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTUAwOqEdZY&t=1185s&ab_channel=NayibBukele https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/jan/10/how-the-us-helped-create-el-salvadors-bloody-gang-war#:~:text=Born%20out%20of%20the%20ecology,spread%20to%20other%20American%20cities . #future hashtag#futuretech hashtag#futuready hashtag#Elsalvador hashtag#bitcoin hashtag#technology hashtag#crackdown hashtag#gangfights
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Mar 20, 2024 • 50min

The Future of Marketing (With David Rice and Martin Waxman) - Ep #141.

How are emerging technologies like generative AI going to impact marketing and the consumers ads are targeting? About the Episode: One of the interesting things that seems to be coming together with the growing number of podcasts is how numerous new technologies and the emerging sectors they are creating will impact or in some ways force an evolution in long standing industries. Today we’ll focus on how marketing will likely evolve due to flood of technologies this podcast tires to cover like AI, VR/AR and the meterverse, and even more further out ideas like neurotechnologies like elon musks neuralink.  My guests today discuss share some pretty interesting insights into how advanced biometrics are and will help to target consumers, how relational AI help companies build connections with their customers, the coming wave of hyper-personalized advertising which we are starting to see today, and of course the ethical issues connected to all of this and what actions we can take today to prepare for tomorrow.  About the Guests: Martin Waxman, MCM, APR, writes a popular Digital Marketing Trends newsletter, conducts AI research and leads digital and AI training workshops. He’s a LinkedIn Learning instructor, adjunct professor at the York Schulich School of Business and associate director of the Future of Marketing Institute. Martin also co-founded two agencies, is president of a consultancy and a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center. He regularly speaks at events across North America and received the Canadian Public Relations Society’s Outstanding Achievement in PR Award in 2020.  Dr. David Rice is a Professor of Marketing and Executive Director of the Future of Marketing Institute at the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Rice teaches primarily in the areas of marketing technology and the future of marketing. He has served as a marketing consultant to many Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Intel, Dell Computers, General Mills, Ford Motor Company, and The World Bank. Website: https://futureofmarketinginstitute.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-of-marketing-institute Here are three FMI Newsletter articles.  These first two articles all contain more depth on the topics we discussed. The third article is on Generative AI and Subliminal Advertising. We didn’t specifically discuss subliminal advertising, but it is a super interesting (somewhat dystopian) topic, and the article examines how Generative AI can be used. Superintelligence and the Risk of Mass Persuasion:    https://bitly.ws/3dFT6 Beyond Text: The Future of Generative AI in Marketing:  https://bitly.ws/3dFTR Generative AI and Subliminal Advertising:  https://bitly.ws/3dFQQ Timecodes: 00:00:52 - Episode Commences 00:04:04 - Guest Introduction 00:06:44 - David's initial interest in the future of marketing. 00:07:44 - Martin's initial interest in the future of marketing. 00:09:56 - Exploring how marketing has changed with the advent of data. 00:12:00 - Reflecting on the evolution of marketing over the past years. 00:16:56 - Discussing how AI will enhance hyper-personalization in marketing. 00:21:20 - Delving into the ethical issues faced by businesses today. 00:24:12 - Analyzing how businesses are leveraging AI for consumer benefits. 00:31:36 - Exploring the transformation of biometrics from phones to augmented reality. 00:36:24 - Examining how AI is enabling corporations to outperform human agencies in day-to-day operations. 00:39:15 - Assessing the impact of EmiWeb's book on the future of marketing. 00:41:51 - Speculating on the possibility of advertisements directly influencing our brains. 00:46:04 - Sharing resources for listeners to connect with the guests and learn more about the future of marketing. 00:48:37 - Episode Concludes
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Mar 13, 2024 • 60min

Tech for Renewable Insect Production (With Martin Pike) - Ep #140

We delve into the fascinating world of insect farming, exploring its significance in addressing food security and nutrition challenges, and how it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock farming. And this week we focus on another insect the black soldier fly as opposed to crickets or other insects.  About the Episode: Environmental Sustainability: We discuss the environmental benefits of insect farming, such as reduced water and land usage compared to conventional animal agriculture, and its potential to mitigate waste production. Challenges and Solutions: We explore the hurdles faced in insect farming, including concerns about toxicity and consumer perceptions, and examine innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. Ethical Considerations: We touch upon the ethical implications of insect farming versus traditional livestock farming, shedding light on the humane aspects and potential benefits of transitioning to insect-based protein sources. Future Outlook: Lastly, we look towards the future of insect farming, discussing its growing industry trajectory, technological advancements, and the evolving public acceptance, highlighting its promising role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient food system. About the Guest: Martin Pike serves as the CEO of Viridian Renewable Technology, where he leverages his extensive background in science and engineering to lead the company's innovative efforts in the insect manufacturing industry. Since the industry's inception in Australia, Pike has been instrumental in developing Viridian’s technology and driving the company's mission towards sustainable and carbon-neutral feed solutions. His work is characterized by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the exploration of insect-based ingredients as a means to revolutionize feed for pets, plants, and animals, underscoring his pivotal role in the industry's growth and the company's success Website: https://www.viridianrenewable.tech/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viridian-renewable-technology/ Timecodes: 00:01:27 - Episode Commences 00:07:10 - Introducing Our Guest 00:07:44 - Delving into the Fascinating World of Insect Farming 00:11:20 - Exploring the Critical Role of Insect Farming in Food Security 00:13:28 - Unveiling the Protein Percentage for Black Soldier Fly 00:16:35 - Unpacking the Multifaceted Benefits of Insect Farming 00:19:52 - Understanding the Significance of Gut Health 00:23:56 - Addressing the Challenges of Scaling Up Insect Food Production 00:31:52 - Comparing Flavors: How Do Insects Stack Up Against Higher-Quality Sources? 00:37:40 - Implementing Safety Protocols to Prevent Toxin Bioaccumulation and Emerging Diseases 00:45:15 - Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Insect Agriculture 00:48:44 - Examining the Growth Potential of the Insect Farming Industry 00:51:25 - Envisioning the Future: Will Insect Farming Supersede Traditional Animal Husbandry? 00:55:55 - Wrapping Up: Concluding Thoughts on the Future of Insect Farming
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Feb 27, 2024 • 57min

Virtual Reality for Learning and Development (With Tony Bevilacqua) - Ep#139

This episode explores the transformative role of XR/VR in enhancing learning and development, through innovative technology applications and insights into future trends in training simulations. About the Episode: In this insightful episode, we delve into the evolution and impact of Extended Reality (XR) and Virtual Reality (VR) on the Learning & Development (L&D) and Educational Technology (EdTech) sectors over the past five years. We explore how XR technology has transformed traditional learning methods through innovative applications, and the integration of eye tracking and biometrics in training simulations to address learning challenges. The discussion also covers the significance of After Action Review for enhancing training outcomes and the role of 3D insights in understanding user behavior in virtual environments. Looking towards the future, we discuss anticipated trends in training simulations and the importance of actionable insights from immersive 3D environments in developing more effective training tools. About the Guest: Tony Bevilacqua is the Founder and CEO of Cognitive3D, a spatial analytics platform that gathers data from virtual and augmented reality experiences in new ways, and turns them into actionable insights. Specifically, Cognitive3D helps companies measure human behavior within 3D simulations.  Prior to founding Cognitive3D, Tony co-founded and exited another startup that focused on revenue optimization and data analytics for enterprise customers. Website: https://cognitive3d.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbevilacqua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cognitive3D Timecodes: 00:00:58 - Episode Commences00:03:12 - Introduction to the Episode00:06:36 - Welcoming the Guest00:07:09 - Exploring Initial Fascination with VR00:09:22 - Tracing the Evolution of Virtual Reality00:12:10 - Sharing Insights into the Future00:14:30 - Comparing Vision Pro with Meta Quest00:16:36 - Exploring VR's Educational Potential beyond Gaming00:19:52 - Highlighting Educational Applications00:24:28 - Assessing VR's Utility Relative to Reality00:27:00 - Integrating VR into Daily Life00:33:40 - Delving into VR Headset Technology00:35:17 - Showcasing Business Benefits00:38:44 - Exploring VR's Potential for Training00:42:52 - Speculating on VR's Expansion into Other Sectors00:47:18 - Reflecting on Personal Perspectives on VR00:49:54 - Examining Immersive Aspects of VR00:52:46 - Gaining Insights into 3D Environments and Virtual Behavior00:54:40 - Episode Concludes
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Feb 20, 2024 • 57min

What is The Future of Food Insects? (With Zachery Schubert) - Ep#138

In this episode, we delve into the world of cricket farming in Australia, discussing its sustainability, nutritional benefits, and the future of insects as a mainstream food source. About the Episode: Welcome to today's episode, where we explore the fascinating world of cricket farming with a pioneering cricket farmer from Australia. As the planet searches for sustainable food sources, cricket farming emerges as a revolutionary solution, offering a high-protein, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional livestock. From pet food to the potential of cricket-based dishes gracing our dinner tables, we'll dive into how this innovative approach to agriculture could transform our food system. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of cricket cultivation, its nutritional benefits, and the journey of introducing this novel food source into mainstream markets. About the Guest: In this episode, we're joined by Zach Shubert, a dynamic individual whose journey encompasses the realms of nutrition, exercise science, and competitive sports, alongside a deep connection to agriculture. With a degree in nutrition and exercise science, Zach is not only academically grounded in the principles that underpin peak physical performance but also practically applies this knowledge on the global stage. Currently ranked 13th in the world for beach volleyball, he has his sights firmly set on the Olympic Games, embodying the spirit of dedication and excellence. Beyond the courts, Zach has a rich history in agriculture, with experiences in dry land farming and managing an orange orchard, bringing a unique perspective on wellness, sustainability, and the athlete's connection to the earth. Join us as we dive into Zach's multifaceted life, exploring how his diverse background shapes his approach to competition, health, and the environment Website: https://schubugs.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachery-schubert-4117b7111/  Website resources: https://schubugs.com.au/cricket-farming-policy-1 Timecodes: 00:01:38 - Introduction 00:05:50 - Initial Interest on Cricket Firming/Insect Cultivation 00:09:10 - Why choose Cricket out of all the other Insects? 00:13:04 - Why is a large-scale operation needed for human consumption of insects? 00:18:32 - How many resources does it cost for cricket farming compared to other animals or insects farming? 00:25:55 - Cricket protein compared to other types of proteins? 00:34:54 - Are there any health impacts with cricket powder? 00:37:00 - Is the hype for insects as a food source diminishing?  00:38:30 - Are there any negative aspects of cricket farming? 00:41:46 - What changes for the industry are needed? 00:47:44 - Are there any problems that are slowing the scaling up of cricket farming? 00:50:52 - How helpful A.I. is in terms of insect farming? 00:54:14 - How can people connect 00:54:50 - Conclusion
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Feb 13, 2024 • 59min

Is Quantum Computing the Future? (With Himadri Majumdar) - Ep #137

Explore the edge of computing's future as we unravel the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize industries, overcome today's technological limitations, and unlock solutions to the world's most complex problems. About The Episode: In this episode, we delve into the revolutionary field of quantum computing, a technology poised to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of current computing methods. We explore the current limitations of quantum computers, including precision issues and high costs, which restrict their accessibility and reliability. Furthermore, we examine how semiconductor technology could offer solutions to these challenges, potentially making quantum computing more scalable and affordable. Join us as we discuss the future applications of quantum computing, from developing new medications and materials to improving weather forecasting, and consider the impact this could have on various industries and our everyday lives. About The Guest: Himadri Majumdar is the co-founder and CEO of SemiQon. Himadri has over two decades of innovation and innovation management experience. Prior to co-founding SemiQon he was the Program Manager for Quantum Technologies at VTT. In that role he led European and Finnish strategic initiatives in quantum technologies. Himadri was also a founding member of the Finnish Quantum technologies ecosystem, InstituteQ, and led the business arm of the ecosystem, BusinessQ. At SemiQon his ambition is to lead the company to build the most scalable, affordable and sustainable quantum processors for quantum computing. He foresees quantum computing, and quantum technology in general, becoming a Finnish and global success story through cooperation and strategic partnerships. Himadri is also trained as an experimental physicist with a Ph.D in applied physics. Website: https://www.semiqon.tech/team LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/himadrimajumdar/ Company intro: SemiQon builds silicon-based quantum processors for quantum computers in the million-qubit era. SemiQon’s mission is to fulfil the promise of quantum computing by delivering scalability through powerful, resilient, and cost-effective quantum processors. SemiQon’s technology builds upon decades of development and know-how from the semiconductor industry, making its silicon processors commercially competitive and well-suited for mass-manufacturing. SemiQon’s quantum processors will make future quantum computers scalable, sustainable and affordable.   Founded in 2023 by Himadri Majumdar, Janne Lehtinen, Mika Prunnila, and Markku Kainlauri, SemiQon’s core team brings together over six decades of research expertise in quantum and microelectronics and a strong knowledge of the European and global quantum industry. SemiQon operates out of MICRONOVA pilot line manufacturing facility and its own measurement and testing facilities in MIKES metrology centre, both in Espoo Finland. TimeCodes: 00:04:01 - Guest Introduction00:05:39 - Initial interest in Quantum Computing?00:08:15 - How Finland compares to European quantum technology?00:10:57 - Birds Eye view of Quantum Computing00:15:09 - What're the unforeseen or foreseen benefits of Quantum Computing?00:19:25 - Is there any interplay between AI and Quantum Computing?00:22:15 - What are the challenges in the Future for Quantum Computing?00:26:59 - How Quantum Computing can be used?00:28:21 - Availability of Quantum Computing00:39:09 - Advantages of Quantum Computing compared to Traditional Computing00:40:45 - Semi Conductor VS Super Conductor00:44:45 - What is a Cubit?00:47:51 - The Geopolitical Consequences on Quantum Computing00:54:51 - Where people can learn Quantum Computing?
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Feb 6, 2024 • 28min

Beyond Neuralink: Creating Mind Links - Ep #136

In today's episode, we're exploring the fringes of neurotechnology, delving into groundbreaking developments like mind-controlled devices, AI that can visualize our thoughts, and the speculative world of transmitting information directly into the brain. We'll discuss everything from mind-reading helmets and DARPA's Avatar project to the futuristic 2045 project, all while contemplating the potential impact and ethical implications of these advancements. Join us as we venture into a world where thought transmission could revolutionize communication, entertainment, and advertising, marking a new era in the evolution of media. Timecodes: 00:00:32 - Episode Starts00:01:28 - What's this Episode About00:03:00 - What's Neurotech00:05:40 - Looking through minds using Ai00:08:40 - Specs of Kernels Head Gears00:12:12 - About DARPA's Avatar Project00:12:50 - Soldiers Mind Control Military Hardware00:14:26 - 2045 Avatar Project00:16:18 - Information sending into the Brain00:18:44 - Brain to Brain Communication00:19:26 - About Autonomous Vehicle00:21:10 - Evolution of idea sharing00:24:16 - Point of this Episode00:24:46 - Next step of this Technology00:26:14 - The End Sources: [Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/13sgeq0/girl_completes_elden_ring_using_mind_control/?rdt=35871] AI Drawing from Thoughts: AI technology begins to visualize and draw images based on what people picture in their minds. [Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/brain-waves-ai-can-sketch-picturing-rcna76096] Kernel's Mind-Reading Helmet: A $50,000 helmet capable of reading users' thoughts. [Link: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/a-50-000-helmet-can-read-users-mind-and-its-ready-2466083] Neuralink's Human Trials: Recently conducted first human trial of Neuralink's brain-computer interface technology. Futuristic Neurotech Concepts: DARPA's Avatar Project: Aimed at creating robot soldiers controlled by human minds. Originated in 2012 with no recent updates. [https://www.extremetech.com/defense/118773-darpa-reveals-avatar-program-robot-soldiers-incoming] 2045 Avatar Project: A project led by Russian billionaire Dmitry Itskov, focusing on transferring minds into robots or holograms. [Link: http://2045.com/] Brain-to-Brain Communication: Social Network of Brains: An experiment where three people transmit thoughts to each other's heads, establishing a direct brain-to-brain communication network. [Link: https://www.technologyreview.com/2018/09/29/139965/the-first-social-network-of-brains-lets-three-people-transmit-thoughts-to-each-others-heads/]
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Jan 30, 2024 • 24min

Google’s New Lumiere AI and the Future of Video - Ep #135

Today, we're delving into a topic that's increasingly relevant in our rapidly evolving digital landscape: the democratization of AI-generated video technology. While this technology holds immense potential for creativity and innovation in various sectors, it also brings forth complex implications that extend far beyond the realms of media and entertainment and will soon start to impact education, politics, and many other aspects of our society… Timecodes: 00:00:32 - Episode Starts 00:00:46 - Introduction 00:02:12 - About Google's Lumiere 00:04:14 - Lumiere's Abilities 00:06:22 - Examples of what Lumiere can do 00:08:16 - More to see in Lumiere 00:09:10 - Google Lumiere's Societal Impact 00:09:54 - GPT's Impact on other A.I. 00:12:06 - Content Creation Creating new Horizons 00:13:26 - Rise of Independent Content Creators 00:14:42 - The 2nd Machine Age 00:16:02 - Creation of new Ethical Issues 00:17:58 - Synthesia's Avatar Product 00:20:16 - Erosion of Trust In today's Images and Videos 00:22:26 - The End Sources: Google’ Lumiere: https://lumiere-video.github.io/ Lumiere Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.12945  Evolution of AI video generation over 1 year.  1. AI beer commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Geja6NCjgWY&ab_channel=ScottChristianSava  2. The Frost - AI generated short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW-NFkVDfdA&ab_channel=NathanSebhastian  3. Google’s lumiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=wxLr02Dz2Sc&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Flumiere-video.github.io%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=InbarMosseri 

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