Finding Genius Podcast

Founded by three students studying artificial intelligence at Boston University around 2006, Neurala is a company that's using graphic processing units (GPUs) for artificial intelligence. Having identified the need for increased compute power, the team at Neurala found a way to essentially hack a GPU, making it more like a brain processor. Since then, Neurala has developed technology that enables machine tool learning and is importing this technology to smart device applications, ranging from consumer apps on smartphones to enterprise solutions enabling complex inspections of structures. "I believe our mission is to bring the AI industry to the next step, and the way we are doing that is by providing a different way to train this neural network...which resembles humans rather than the way they have been trained...which has been cumbersome...with systems that cannot improve anymore once being put on a device," says Massimiliano Versace, co-founder and CEO of Neurala. In 2005, there were limited options; CPUs were being used but were already plateauing in terms of processor speed. Now, there is the availability of NPUs, or neural processing units, which are broadening the landscape of AI technology, its applications, and the impact it will have on our world. Hit play to hear more about the differences between the brain and neural networks, Versace's outlook on the direction of the AI industry in the coming years, and the work being done by his team. Visit neurala.com to keep up on the latest developments.

James Sherer is an attorney and partner at Baker Law who joins the discussion today to discuss a variety of topics, including the ways in which AI is impacting hiring practices, healthcare, and data for sales. He also addresses the tougher questions, such as the ultimate goal of employing AI in these industries, and how to identify and mitigate algorithmic bias. So, what are the main challenges and concerns that come along with the use of AI, and how far have we come in truly understanding the nature of its implementation in the industries so integral to our everyday lives? In which direction are we headed? Sherer gets into all of these details and more, so tune in for the whole discussion. To reach out with questions, email jsherer@bakerlaw.com or visit bakerlaw.com.

Blockpit aims to solve the complex topic of correct taxation in the fast growing market of cryptocurrencies. The goal is to bridge the gap between consumers and tax authorities on a global level by providing an easily accessable platform that will continuously evolve and adapt to the latest regulations. In addition to that, Blockpit will provide customized monitoring solutions for blockchain assets in different environments.

BlockSafe Technologies, Inc. is a US company incorporated in Wyoming with headquarters in Edison, NJ. The company has licensed patented technology from Strikeforce Technologies, Inc. and plans to enhance it with additional product offerings. Their team is comprised of people experienced in cyber security sales and operations. Our company is planning on an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) to raise funds for further product development and operations. BlockSafe solutions are built on multipatented and patent-pending technology and backed by 17 years of delivering cutting-edge cyber security. Blockchain Defender™ — Security for permissioned blockchains such as those used by enterprises and industry consortia. Exchange Defender™ — Security for crypto exchanges. Crypto Defender™ — Security for crypto wallets on desktop, mobile, and cloud-based platforms, designed to prevent the harmful actions of malware.

Sebastien Roy is the CEO of Lean Systems. He is an experienced operation research developer with a wealth of embedded systems experience. Lean Systems is an optimization platform that enables fleet managers to increase overall productivity with a schedule and routes solver solution. Lean Systems' solver can schedule large fleets in the optimum way to produce efficiency and increase savings, and it can do this in only a few minutes at a cost that is scalable. And their platform can easily be integrated into any current information system. Lean Systems' work involves the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to many problems that transportation companies face, such as pilot training, crew training, and more. Roy explains as fleets grow, so do the potential cracks in their training procedures. Resources and people get shuffled around and efficiency and quality can be compromised. With AI automation, Roy states tasks that once may have taken several days, such as scheduling for a fleet, can be done in a significantly shorter block of time. AI can consider multiple options, stops, destinations, etc. at once, which leads to faster, and better, scheduling, with greater compliance to crew preferences. Roy details how one problem in the scheduling chain can create a domino effect of problems down the line, such as when a particular flight is cancelled or delayed and how that impacts crew and possible alternatives, etc. at the cancelled flight's destination points. Roy states that their platform can produce results that allow for an actual decrease in fleet size with an increase in efficiency and productivity of the fleet overall, as the AI can more easily address last minute problems with weather and maintenance. The transportation efficiency expert addresses the traditional problems with fleet scheduling for the road and in the air. One issue that is perennially problematic is the scheduling of regulated maintenance, as maintenance schedules are mandated according to the number of actual flight hours of an aircraft. The problem loop exists as fleet managers need to book flights in order to know when an aircraft will need to go into maintenance but must consider maintenance schedules before booking flights. Roy's company's platform allows fleet managers to use AI to run preemptive maintenance scheduling and thus decrease the hours needed for planning while increasing fleet efficiency. Overall, transportation companies can sell more flights while improving general crew satisfaction.

The LendingCoin (TLC) offers decentralized peer-to-peer funding via blockchain technology. Initially, funding will be limited to refinancing real estate within the United States but the long-term plan is to finance real estate purchases, refinance commercial and residential properties.

CoinSmart has changed the landscape by making cryptocurrency accessible to Canadians with all levels of crypto experience. Breaking down the barriers of complex and confusing crypto transactions, CoinSmart offers simple solutions, learning tools for all levels, and 24/7 client support. The user-friendly platform features enterprise-grade security, cold wallet storage, and easily-generated tax-time reports. For more experienced investors, CoinSmart offers advanced charting, order book functionality and dedicated SmartReps for wealth clients. All clients benefit from competitive fees, as well as CoinSmart's same day funding, withdrawal, and verification SmartGuarantee.

Maciej Kranz helped pioneer the Internet of Things industry through more than 30 years of computer networking and technology innovation experience in multiple industries. He authored the New York Timesbestseller, "Building the Internet of Things," and its companion book, "Building the Internet of Things – A Project Workbook." He also oversees a newsletter and leadership forum for IoT insiders. As a faculty member of Singularity University, frequent keynoter, and sought-after media authority, Kranz is recognized worldwide as a pragmatic visionary on industrial IoT and corporate innovation. Currently, Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Cisco Systems, Kranz previously built the company's IoT business from the ground up as General Manager of the Connected Industries Group.

Advanced Manufacturing Engineer, Advenit Makaya, provides an informative overview of the scientific research into materials and processes that could allow structures to be built in space, from existing materials. As an engineer at the European Space Research and Technology Centre of the European Space Agency, Makaya's work centers on the development of various technologically advanced materials and processes specifically for space applications. Makaya holds a master's degree in general engineering from École Centrale de Lyon as well as a master's degree in materials processing from the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. Makaya explains that his work involves current applications of materials and processes for spacecraft manufacturing, but also focuses on groundbreaking concepts for long-term objectives. One area of particular interest and specialization for Makaya and his team is the development of processes to utilize the innate materials of a particular space destination. By using indigenous materials that are already available on a particular planet, costs can be reduced, and efficiency increased, as less material must be loaded and hauled from Earth. Makaya is currently investigating the process that would allow space travelers to 3D print bricks from existing moon dust, which would certainly save time as cargo hauling from Earth could take months, or years even, to reach a specific space destination. Through multiple missions to the moon to collect data, then samples, Makaya's team is provided with essential information, such as the make-up and composition of the soil, etc. to further their study and bring research into reality. And while one might expect that materials would be wildly different on the moon, though proportions and composition, etc. of materials varies, the materials on the moon and Earth are quite similar in many ways. Essentially, Makaya states, there have been no unique materials discovered on the moon, which bodes well for advancing their processes to accomplish the manufacturing tasks in space. The space research engineer discusses material differences that do exist between Earth and the moon, such as roundness versus sharpness. He explains that the moon's particles are sharper than the Earth's and as such adjustments in approach and manufacturing processes must be made. As the moon has no atmosphere, it has no protection from the sun's radiation. Therefore, all existing materials on the moon are impacted in different ways than they would be on Earth, and thus even though the sand on Earth and the sand on the moon are quite similar in composition, their environment takes its toll. The researchers have successfully produced multiple miniature blocks, which were used to build model structures such as domes and trusses, etc. for future habitats in space, which has demonstrated the feasibility of the process. Further challenges will be to ensure the process works in a low gravity, extremely dusty environment with tremendously varying temperatures, especially considering the highly charged materials that exist on the moon. Makaya discusses the primary objective—to create structures that house and protect the occupants and equipment, but he shares the importance of psychological issues as well, such as allowing light in for the overall morale of inhabitants. But he warns that this is an area that is highly complex, as light-allowing structural material poses a potentially greater radiation risk for occupants. As Makaya's study and research continues, the goal will be to take the engineering and science into practical application on the moon, and multiple countries worldwide are taking an interest in doing just that.

David M. Ewalt, author of Defying Reality: The Inside Story of the Virtual Reality Revolution, which covers the history, development, and future of emerging tech, leads us on a virtual world journey covering the state, and future, of emerging technology. David is an award-winning business journalist and author. He is a noted expert on the nexus between gaming and technology. David is a special projects editor for Reuters and is a former senior editor of Forbes magazine. David also writes for major periodicals such as The Wall Street Journal, New York magazine, and The Boston Globe, to name a few. David Ewalt's keen interest in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality drew him into further study and research of trends and future movements in emerging tech. Ewalt explains how virtual reality truly offers businesses an ideal means in which to demo their products to potential customers worldwide, by offering an experience that heightens a user's understanding and feel for the product. From fashion to automotive and more, virtual reality offers a remarkable adventure that goes far beyond facts and pictures. Connecting people with a palpable physical presence is perhaps what takes virtual reality far above other means of communicating, as the human brain can be lulled into feeling the experience is somewhat real. While the value of virtual reality for commercial businesses, and of course the porn industry, is obvious, Ewalt suggests that virtual reality experiences can dramatically increase interest in humanitarian causes as well. For as interviews or documentary style clips are filmed to be experienced in virtual reality, the viewer is often more engaged in the story and subject, and certainly the people as they tell their stories, which can increase one's empathy or interest in the issue. The technology journalist suggests that we are heading for a future society in which a large percentage of people will be wearing smart glasses with virtual assistants, icons, and virtual reality options into virtual worlds for literally everything. And as virtual reality may cause some to retreat into their basements to never be seen again, Ewalt's expectation is that the technology will enhance most peoples lives in many ways such that the tech will surge. As young technologists who grew up watching The Matrix or reading William Gibson move into the entrepreneurial mindset, virtual reality options for our world will become more pervasive, and perhaps ubiquitous. Ewalt states that products are still in the Model T phase but the rate of advancement with the technology is dizzying, with new improvements happening monthly. And with hardware improvements, and better content for business and play, and the introduction of virtual reality into other traditional businesses, innovation will explode.