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Trent McConaghy: BCI and merging with superintelligent AI

Aug 4, 2025
Trent McConaghy, the founder of Ocean Protocol and a visionary in AI risk, discusses the future of human-technology integration. He proposes brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as a means for humans to merge with superintelligent AI rather than compete against it. The conversation dives into the ethical implications of this fusion and the potential of decentralized data frameworks for AI development. Trent emphasizes the need for transparent innovations in BCI technology and explores the exciting future of collaborative AI as an evolution of human cognition.
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INSIGHT

BCI As The Path To Human Superintelligence

  • Human survival in an ASI future depends on becoming competitive via human superintelligence.
  • Trent proposes high-bandwidth BCI as a bridge from 10% to 1000x of our brain's compute to reach parity.
INSIGHT

Third Hemisphere Needs Low Bandwidth To Feel Natural

  • A digital 'third hemisphere' that feels like part of you can emerge at surprisingly low bandwidths.
  • Hemispheres currently exchange only ~50 kbps, so modest BCI can create a seamless digital coprocessor.
ADVICE

Use Market Forces To Speed BCI

  • Accelerate consumer BCI adoption to create market-funded bandwidth improvements.
  • Use incremental non‑invasive apps first and let markets and Moore's Law drive higher‑bandwidth upgrades.
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