No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups

In this engaging discussion, Qasar Younis, CEO of Applied Intuition, and Peter Ludwig, CTO, dive into the exciting world of autonomous vehicles. They believe widespread adoption is imminent, driven by advancements in their in-house operating system. The duo explores how self-driving tech could reshape urban design and re-shore vehicle manufacturing jobs to the U.S. They also tackle safety measures for autonomous systems and the competitive landscape of the automotive industry, making a strong case for the future of mobility.

Ben Mann, Co-founder of Anthropic and an early engineer at OpenAI, discusses groundbreaking advancements in AI including Claude 4's development and its transition from 'reward hacking' to task efficiency. He explores the future of general versus specialized AI models and offers insights into the economic Turing test as a metric for superintelligence. The conversation delves into ethical AI training techniques, safety measures, and the innovative Model Context Protocol aimed at enhancing collaboration within the AI industry. Will we attain superintelligence by 2028? Tune in to find out!

Dr. Fei-Fei Li, an AI pioneer and co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, discusses the intersection of embodiment and intelligence at World Labs. She emphasizes the importance of spatial intelligence in AI and explores the critical gaps in current systems. Li reflects on her role in creating ImageNet, the challenges of 3D modeling, and the significance of building diverse, fearless teams. Her vision for future robotics reveals how human-centric approaches can pave the way for transformative advancements in technology.

Delve into the rapidly evolving AI market as Sarah and Elad discuss whether it’s consolidating into key players. Discover the exciting opportunities in biotech, including innovative reproductive technologies and anti-aging solutions. They highlight the unique challenges startups face in this competitive landscape and explore the fascinating concept of world models, revealing how AI can enhance human reasoning and problem-solving. Prepare for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of AI and its impact on human identity!

Arvind Jain, Founder and CEO of Glean and former Google engineering leader, dives into the future of enterprise search powered by AI. He reveals how large language models are reshaping search capabilities, moving past outdated keyword methods. Arvind discusses why many search tools have failed and the unique challenges Glean faced in a skeptical market. He also highlights the importance of customization and user behavior insights, while teasing exciting developments on the horizon for Glean.

Join Luis von Ahn, the visionary founder and CEO of Duolingo, as he discusses the future of education through gamification and AI. With over 116 million monthly users, Duolingo is reshaping learning by making it more engaging and personalized. Luis shares insights on why motivation is key, how lessons are optimized for engagement, and the controversial shift to an AI-first approach. Plus, he reveals exciting expansions into subjects beyond languages, including chess and math, all while maintaining a fun and adaptive learning experience.

In this discussion, Eric Mitchell and Brandon McKinzie, key figures behind OpenAI's innovative O3 model, share insights into its unique focus on reasoning enhanced by reinforcement learning. They explore how O3's tool use facilitates advanced interactions and tackles complex tasks. The duo envisions the future of human-AI interfaces, emphasizing the potential for general-purpose models to unify capabilities and improve user experiences. Their insights also touch on the transformative impact of AI across various industries and the ongoing advancements that shape AI interactions.

Isa Fulford, a key figure in deep research at OpenAI, discusses the evolution of AI agents with real-world capabilities. She highlights the importance of using human expert data and how reinforcement learning enhances agent functionality. Isa delves into the challenges of latency, safety, and the balance between functionality and trust as AI systems become more autonomous. She also shares predictions on the future of AI agents, including their potential to complete tasks more efficiently and develop a sense of 'taste' in their operations.

Josh Goldman, cofounder and president of KoBold Metals, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing the search for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. He discusses the challenges of aggregating geological data and the need for innovative exploration strategies that blend traditional and modern approaches. Goldman emphasizes the importance of regulatory knowledge and community relationships in mineral exploration. The episode also explores how KoBold validates underground hypotheses and redefines success in a landscape of scarce world-class deposits.

Brendan Foody, CEO and co-founder of Mercor, offers a glimpse into the future of the workforce as AI transforms hiring practices. He discusses how AI can identify exceptional talent and even assess unique qualities like 'taste.' The conversation dives into the implications of job displacement, emphasizing the need for adaptable skills. Brendan also shares his vision for human roles in an increasingly automated environment, questioning whether AI will serve as a contributor or take on managerial responsibilities.