Tim Fist

Tim Fist, Director of Emerging Technologies at the Institute for Progress, dives into the urgent concerns surrounding AI's energy demands. He discusses the staggering power needs of AI training clusters, potentially requiring gigawatts of energy by 2030. Tim emphasizes the promise of behind-the-meter generation and geothermal energy as solutions. He also highlights the competitive energy landscape, noting how the U.S. faces regulatory hurdles while countries like China and the UAE ramp up investment, shaping the future of AI technology.

Ali Partovi, an early investor known for backing Facebook and Airbnb, joins Tim Fist, a researcher from the Institute of Progress, to unravel the complexities of China's semiconductor evolution. They delve into the historical context of China's chip industry and the challenges posed by U.S. export controls. The discussion highlights NVIDIA's tech and its geopolitical implications, along with insights into talent investment and mentorship in technology. With an eye on the future, they explore the balance of AI, military tech, and the competitive landscape shaping innovation.

Ben Della Rocca, former director for technology and national security on Biden's NSC, along with Arnab Datta and Tim Fist from IFP, discuss the urgent need for robust AI infrastructure in the U.S. They dive into the challenges of new power generation amidst soaring demand for compute and the implications of a 2025 executive order. The conversation reveals the potential of geothermal energy, the pitfalls of financing green power solutions, and the importance of prioritizing AI lab security against emerging threats.