
FYI - For Your Innovation
The FYI - For Your Innovation Podcast offers an intellectual discussion on recent developments across disruptive innovation—driven by research, news, controversies, companies, and technological breakthroughs. Hosted by ARK Invest, ARK and guests provide a unique perspective on how to best understand disruptive innovation.
Latest episodes

29 snips
Sep 7, 2023 • 1h 22min
Why Bitcoin is the Currency for AI
In this podcast, experts explore the convergence between Bitcoin and AI, discussing revolutionized coding, Lightning HTTP 402 protocol, macaroons as API tokens, integrating Bitcoin payments in AI, analyzing images and generating creative comps, and the impact of Bitcoin becoming legal tender in El Salvador.

Aug 31, 2023 • 46min
Roblox: The Virtual Playground Where Gaming, Fashion, and Real-World Brands Collide with Daniel Sturman
On today’s episode of FYI, hosts Andrew Kim and Nicholas Grous are joined by Roblox CTO Daniel Sturman, as they venture into the dynamic world of this gaming platform. Roblox empowers users to both create and experience unique content. Join us as we explore the multifaceted ways people leverage this technology, from crafting games and orchestrating music concerts to forging immersive brand experiences. We’ll also venture into the future of virtual reality (VR) and emphasize the significance of offering users the choice to engage with content in their preferred manner. Stay tuned for a discussion with Daniel, as we discuss Roblox’s success, confront the challenges in rendering realistic 3D generations, and discover how the company is ensuring safety and civility on the platform.
“We try very hard not to create any of our own content. The general idea behind Roblox was one of bringing 3D simulation to people and letting them create whatever they wanted out of that.” – Daniel Sturman
Key Points From This Episode:
Roblox as a content creation platform
Showcasing an early demo of an artificial intelligence (AI) system; enhancing product features
Utilizing generative AI to boost casual creative accessibility
Addressing challenges in 3D generation and intricate avatar movement
Navigating inefficiencies with models not designed for 3D data
Leveraging rich safety data to refine generative AI models
Anticipating immersive experiences, personalized touches, and expansive growth
Prioritizing safety and custom experiences
Exploring VR and phone avenues for immersive content creation
Enhancing virtual reality communication through spatial sound; ensuring privacy and civility
Innovating with real-time word censoring and substitution in models
Approaching the horizon of arbitrary generation of user components

Aug 29, 2023 • 29min
Character AI, FSD Beta v12, Walmart & Drones | The Brainstorm EP 12
The podcast discusses Character AI and its potential in the entertainment industry, the testing of Full Self Driving Beta v12 by Elon Musk, and Walmart's partnerships with drone delivery companies.

Aug 24, 2023 • 43min
How South Park-Inspired Generative TV is Revolutionizing Content Creation with Edward Saatchi
On today’s episode of FYI, Research Associate Andrew Kim, Asociate Portfolio Manager Nick Grous and ARK Advisor Angie Dalton are joined by Edward Saatchi, the founder of Fable, a company pioneering the use of Artificial General Intelligence in creating generative TV shows and simulations. Together, they explore the influence of AI on animated series like South Park, the power of negotiation with maximum leverage, the current industry strike, the potential of AI in gaming, and the challenges and ambitions of creating original art. Hear about novel AI methods, a groundbreaking 3D world simulation, and the future of fan-made episodes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the topic, this episode should engage and inform.
“Even though we’re five or six years now into GPT. There are no games that use AI NPCs, which is kind of crazy when you think about it” – Edward Saatchi
Key Points From This Episode:
Edward Saatchi’s background and journey from politics to AI entertainment
AI-driven characters and their generative, behavior-based design
Shows created from text prompts via AI, not recorded simulations
Timing of AI introduction to empower writers, actors during strike
Aiming to empower human artists, not merely create protected IP episodes
Hurdles include focusing on animation complexity
IP (intellectual property) holders need holistic approach to TV show creation; language model a small part
Shift towards original, exciting art is needed
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) application in gaming could go beyond producing Non-Player Characters (NPCs)
Generative storylines in games could be exciting
Game companies and small studios partnering can decentralize the industry, empowering unique creations

Aug 23, 2023 • 25min
The State Of Delivery And Nuclear Cost Declines | The Brainstorm EP 11
This podcast episode discusses the state of autonomous drone delivery and the cost declines in nuclear power. It explores the challenges and potential disruption of autonomous delivery, highlights promising companies in delivery technology, and examines the impact of regulation on the cost of nuclear power. The episode also explores the role of nuclear energy in achieving net zero carbon target and investigates the current state of fusion.

Aug 17, 2023 • 35min
Pioneering AR Solutions for the Enterprise World with Daniel Diez
Daniel Diez, an expert in the augmented reality (AR) universe, discusses Magic Leap's advancements, including the Magic Leap 2 headset and its adoption by enterprise customers. The podcast explores the applications of wearable technology in training and healthcare, highlighting the positive feedback for Magic Leap 2. The potential of AR in the architecture engineering instruction industry and the challenges in the consumer market are also discussed.

Aug 16, 2023 • 23min
ESPN BET, AI's Impact on Global Warming | The Brainstorm EP 10
This episode of 'The Brainstorm' discusses ESPN's entry into the sports betting market, analyzing their potential impact and competition. It also explores the use of AI to reduce contrails and its impact on global warming. They touch on the implementation of carbon abatement and government incentives as well.

Aug 14, 2023 • 15min
Big Ideas Monday Mini: Smart Contract Networks
This podcast explores the transformative potential of smart contract networks in revolutionizing finance and predicts a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity by 2030. It discusses the history and evolution of smart contract networks, the rise of decentralized finance, and the benefits of transparent and autonomous financial services. The podcast also explores technological upgrades and scaling technologies, recent advancements and concerns in smart contract networks, and the challenges and opportunities they present.

Aug 10, 2023 • 43min
Unlocking the Power of AI in Gaming with Unity’s Marc Whitten
Hosts Andrew Kim and Nicholas Grous venture into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming sector with Marc Whitten, the President of Create at Unity. They discuss AI’s role in creating vivid, immersive 3D experiences. Marc gives them a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities and opportunities involved in deploying AI for content creation in games. They also explore Unity’s mission to make game design accessible to all. The conversation doesn’t stop at gaming; they also cast a wider look at how real-time 3D technology is making waves across various industries. So join Andrew, Nicholas, and Marc on this insightful journey where they blend technology, creativity, and gaming into a captivating exploration.
“I believe that we’re going to enter this golden age of inference based techniques used at Runtime and many of those are going to be very small models.” @MarcWhitten
Key Points From This Episode:
Mark Whitten’s background and role as President of Create at Unity
Gaming industry competitiveness and use of AI
AI targeting specific players and improving ad monetization
Focus on building and maintaining gaming communities
AI at Runtime for immersive and dynamic game worlds
Non-player character (NPCs) having meaningful conversations and shaping game experiences
Implications and challenges of generative AI in game development
Unity’s use of AI tools and collaboration with Apple
Apple’s approach to spatial computing and Vision OS
Orchestration of AI techniques through Muse platform
Solving content creation crisis in the industry
Productivity gains and increased number of creators with AI tools
Challenges and benefits of using neural network-based features in games
Cintus platform for local model execution and improved performance
Designing games for different platforms and input methods
Real-time and 3D technology in non-gaming industries
Unity’s goal of expanding applications and accessibility of tools
AI’s role in content creation across various industries
Unity’s focus on real-time and 3D technology in different sectors
Partnerships with various platforms and potential for creativity

Aug 8, 2023 • 0sec
Bitcoin and the Hunt for AI Computing | The Brainstorm EP 09
Bitcoin on-chain analysis, CoreWeave's debt financing, potential applications in electric motors, casual conversations about ice cream and running shoes.