The Brave Technologist

Balancing Environmental Stewardship with Technological Progress

May 22, 2024

Steve Kinard, AI Innovation Association President, discusses Bitcoin mining's environmental impact, Texas's AI innovation leadership, and promoting open source collaboration in the tech sector. Topics include AI in energy, grid innovation, and advocating for decentralized financial services.

46:43

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Episode guests

Steve Kinard

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Texas is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation, focusing on grid innovation and digital property rights.

Open source collaboration is crucial for AI sector development and technological innovation, as advocated by the AI Innovation Association.

Deep dives

Texas Emerging as Leader in AI Innovation

Texas is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation, particularly in the energy sector. The AI Innovation Association, led by Steve Canard, aims to focus on open-source technology and ethos, critical to the AI sector's development. The association aims to assist businesses in the emerging AI space by promoting innovation and education.

Introduction

2min

From Energy Professional to Bitcoin Advocate: A Journey of Innovation

16min

Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Tech Space

8min

Upholding Free Speech and Open-Source Innovation in the Face of Regulatory Challenges

3min

Exploring the Nuances of Open Source Technology

12min

Promotion of AI Innovation Association and Techno-Optimism

6min

Steve Kinard, President of the AI Innovation Association, discusses Bitcoin mining and the environmental implications that turned him into an advocate with the Texas Blockchain Council. He also emphasizes the inevitability of AI's disruptive impact across industries, and advocates for prioritizing open source collaboration as the cornerstone of technological innovation.

Key Takeaways:

How Texas is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation, fostering grid innovation and digital property rights
Ways that AI is impacting the energy sector; Bitcoin mining and its environmental implications
Why first principles on open source technology is critical to the AI Innovation Association and the AI sector in general

Guest Bio: Steve Kinard is the President of AI Innovation Association. Previously, he served as the Director of Policy and Director of Bitcoin Mining at the Texas Blockchain Council, an industry association dedicated to making Texas a leader in Bitcoin innovation. He was instrumental in developing innovative programing and workforce development partnerships with universities while growing corporate membership in an emerging industry. He was actively involved in legislative advocacy regarding technology policy, and in opposing onerous regulation and federal government overreach. Prior to that, he was an entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry, and worked in energy banking.

Steve holds a BA in International Studies from Texas A&M University, an MBA from George Washington University. He lives in Richardson, Texas.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte