Austin Next

What is decentralized science and what will be its impact on research and innovation? Joined by experts from Arcadia Science, VitaDAO, and the Foresight Institute, we discuss the challenges posed by traditional scientific models and the rise of alternative approaches. From new funding mechanisms to the transformative potential of AI, we explore the evolving landscape of research and the promise it holds for the future. Episode HighlightsDriven by a quest for faster breakthroughs, collaboration, and democratization, decentralized science is on the rise. It's a counter to traditional models—like tenure and strict lab hierarchies—that restrict autonomy and potentially dampen innovation.Are scientific advancements speeding up or stagnating? The insights reveal that there is no simple answer as there are questions about how we measure innovation itself.Through a diversity of new funding mechanisms through prizes, fellowships, or grants, there's a strong push to support bold projects that might be overlooked by traditional institutions.Arcadia Science merges open science with for-profit models to accelerate research and ensure swift dissemination of discoveries.VitaDAO harnesses blockchain for scientific governance, creating an inclusive and permissionless platform for collaborative research funding and exploration.Foresight champions frontier technologies, such as nanotechnology, fostering collaborations and offering diverse enabling platforms suited to each field's unique needs.What’s Next?Seemay Chou emphasizes that in the future, the distinction between decentralized and centralized science may blur, as decentralized approaches become more common. Vincent Weisser highlights the increasing role of AI in scientific progress. He envisions a future where AI, particularly multimodal AI, becomes a significant driver of scientific discoveries. Allison Duettmann predicts that more countries worldwide may establish private and decentralized alternatives to traditional governmental funding for scientific research. Seemay Chou: LinkedIn, X/TwitterArcadia Science: Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, X/Twitter Vincent Weisser: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterVitaDAO: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter Allison Duettmann: LinkedIn, X/TwitterForesight Institute: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter Understanding science funding in tech, 2011-2021 by Nadia AsparouhovaEngines of Creation by Eric Drexler -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Fostering connectivity within an innovation ecosystem is crucial for its ongoing vitality and growth. Often revolutionary concepts emerge from the most unforeseen origins. My guest, Elle Beecher, founded The Board Walks, where community and innovation unite through a simple yet powerful concept—a five-mile walk. In this episode, we explore this social experiment, examine how these walks serve as catalysts for creative collisions, and bring back the intellectual dynamism of Paris in the ‘20s. Episode HighlightsDrawing inspiration from the 1920s Parisian cafe culture, Elle crafted The Board Walks to ignite creative collisions in Austin, offering a fresh, organic approach to networking.Curiosity stands at the heart of Elle's vision; she champions the idea that bringing together inquisitive minds sparks deeper, more meaningful dialogues.Though spontaneous in nature, The Board Walks are intentionally designed with playbooks and guidelines to foster genuine connections and fruitful discussions.Overheard dialogues during the walks resonate with Austin's innovative aura, reminiscent of Paul Graham's "eavesdropping quality" notion from his 2008 Cities essay.The walks serve as a platform for attendees to not only build professional relationships but also to delve into personal narratives and aspirations.Given its success in Austin, Elle envisions taking The Board Walks to other cities, like San Francisco, while ensuring the preservation of its foundational values and communal essence.What’s next Austin? “More creative collisions that will bring about Paris in the 20s energy.”Elle Beecher: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, InstagramThe Board Walks: Website, X/Twitter, Instagram “Cities and Ambition” by Paul Graham -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Innovation ecosystems thrive not just on groundbreaking ideas, but also on the stories that bring them to life. In this episode, I chat with Walt Maciborski, the main anchor for CBS Austin News and an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist. We dive into Austin's tech transformation from its humble beginnings to today's mix of tech giants and startups. Our conversation also explores the profound influence of narratives in shaping Austin's tech identity and its promising future as a 'Technopolis.' Episode HighlightsWalt's deep-rooted connection to Austin's tech scene dates back to the 1990s. From the Dell surge to the dot-com downturn, and now to today's groundbreaking startups, his journalistic journey gives him a unique vantage point on Austin's evolution.Austin's tech landscape thrives with firms like ICON, Lazarus 3D, Focused Energy, Paradromics, Hylio, and Apptronik, showcasing a blend of innovation and real-world impact."In 'Tech This Out,' Walt highlights both vital and lesser-known tech stories of Austin, emphasizing engaging, uplifting coverage over adversarial journalism.Narratives not only captivate but also attract investors and top-tier talent, driving a region's growth.Media serves a twofold purpose in any ecosystem's narrative: capturing its evolution and simultaneously shaping its trajectory. The key is crafting stories that celebrate triumphs while critically navigating challenges.What’s next Austin? “There's going to be an explosion here in the next year. I predict there's going to be a sense that we're not Silicon Hills. We're not the also-ran. There's going to be things coming out of Austin where they're going to say, ‘Wow, Austin Tech.’ The Austin Technopolis is its own thing. It's not something that's an also-ran or were trying to be in the shadow of Silicon Hills or Silicon Valley.”Walt Maciborski: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, we unpack the idea that innovation transcends the mere creation of new solutions. Through the lens of healthcare, and with insights from Dr. Isaac Turner, Co-founder and CTO of Curative, we delve into two key areas: how payment design can redefine user interactions, and the intricacies of diffusing groundbreaking innovations to ensure they're not only invented but also effectively adopted and utilized. While our discussions pivot around healthcare, the insights and challenges resonate across industries.Episode HighlightsCurative pivoted from COVID testing and vaccination programs to a vision to reshape the health insurance sector, emphasizing patient-centric care and efficiency.Central to Curative's approach is removing barriers to care. By eliminating copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for in-network services, and deploying non-clinical “care navigators” to assist members, they streamline the healthcare experience, encouraging patients to actively seek and manage their care.The distinct paradox for insurers lies is benefits like preventative care. Immediate financial returns are minimal and might even accrue to competitors due to customer turnover, while overall they are better for the patient and long term plan fiscal health. Obesity drugs such as Ozempic/Wegovy and advancements like cancer liquid biopsies highlight the intricacies of the diffusion of innovation in healthcare. Success hinges on aligning the interests of patients, providers, and payers, ensuring these solutions not only penetrate the market but also become accessible, adopted, and effectively utilize.Austin's dynamic growth, varied employment sectors, and a supportive healthcare regulatory backdrop made it Curative's prime choice as an innovation hub.What’s next Austin? “We want to bring better benefits to more Austinites — expanding our footprint and getting the message out so that they can have zero-dollar coverage”Dr. Isaac Turner: LinkedIn, X/TwitterCurative: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, YouTube, Facebook: -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, we dive deep into the AI wave and the nexus between academic research and commercial applications. Joining us is Risto Miikkulainen, an esteemed computer science professor at the University of Texas at Austin and AVP of Evolutionary Intelligence at Cognizant Technology Solutions. Together, we explore the journey to the current AI boom, delve into the era of digital natives, and assess Austin's pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.Episode HighlightsThe recent explosion of progress in AI has been powered primarily by scaling up existing models with massive amounts of data and compute, rather than fundamental breakthroughs in new techniques.Unlike previous waves of technology adoption, these AI tools were in the hands of consumers before the enterprise, allowing for more fearless experimentation. In a real-world example, Jason's nine-year-old son created nonsensical prompts in Midjourney, yielding fascinating results that facilitated creative thinking and provided unique insights into the AI. The integration of AI into educational platforms like Khan Academy, along with decentralized research tools, raises the intriguing possibility of fostering 'citizen scientists.' However, there is still an open question about how fully this vision could be realized. Risto's current work specializes in using AI to create 'digital twins' of patients, enabling precise simulations to test and optimize various treatment strategies for conditions like stroke and dementia.UT Austin's new online master's programs extend its AI expertise globally while also potentially attracting more talent to Austin and aligning education with local industry needs.What’s next Austin? “We have lots of faculty and bright students who are learning about AI. Austin has a thriving startup community that hopefully will grow as a result. And one more factor is the medical school that was started. There are great opportunities, even for these large language models and generative AI in that domain. Try to encourage the AI folks and the medical folks to get together and identify these opportunities. That could be something that becomes a strength in Austin and we can become a world leader in it.”Risto Miikkulainen: Website, LinkedInConstant Therapy Health: WebsiteBoston University Center for Brain Recovery: Website AI Empowers Researchers to Bring Precision Medicine to Post-stroke Speech and Cognitive Rehabilitation -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Why is Austin leading the charge as a beacon for creative minds and how are cities like it rewriting the blueprint for our economic future? Dive into this episode with Richard Florida, the trailblazer behind the "Creative Class" theory. As we explore Austin's magnetic pull and its broader implications for cities from Madison to Nashville, we'll uncover the intersection of traditional industries, tech-driven innovation, and the burgeoning global creator economy.  Episode HighlightsRichard Florida developed the concept of the Creative Class to describe talented, highly skilled workers in technology, business, arts, and other innovative fields.The initial spark for the insights, theories, and eventual book “Rise of the Creative Class” stemmed from questioning why graduates from Carnegie Mellon were opting to move to Austin over Pittsburgh.Numerous heartland regions have the right foundation to adopt the Austin model, blending high-tech innovation in both the digital and physical realms. These cities stand uniquely positioned to bring together innovation, technology, and manufacturing revitalizing America's industrial foundation.Austin and Nashville represent the next phase of the Creative Class evolution, emerging as pivotal centers for the burgeoning creator economy, characterized by a seamless blend of technology, music/culture, and digital storytelling.What’s Next Austin? “I think Austin is part of this remaking of America around innovation and lifestyle, but with a real application to remaking our industrial base.” Richard Florida: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterRichard Florida’s Books: Rise of the Creative Class, The Breakthrough Illusion, Beyond Mass Production, The New Urban Crisis -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The startup ecosystem in Austin is experiencing a dynamic transformation, influenced by an influx of talent and marked changes in fundraising trends. Carta, an equity management platform that offers a distinctive lens into private market data, holds a unique vantage point to observe these shifts and more. Peter Walker, who helms Carta's Insights Team, joins us in this episode to shed light on the current landscape of US startup funding, the challenges of 2023, the intricacies of Austin's startup trajectory and its rising status as an epicenter for innovation and venture capital.Episode HighlightsCarta manages cap tables and equity for 38,000 startups, giving them unique insights into startup fundraising, valuations, employees, and compensation. This data covers about 50% of US startup funding.The fundraising environment in 2023 has been challenging for startups with activity significantly down from the 2021/2022 bubble, more down rounds and bridge rounds, though AI is an area still seeing excitement.Austin has around 380 pre-seed startups on Carta, with 175 seed and 174 series A. The numbers dramatically decrease in later rounds as the region is still is a maturing market and Silicon Valley still dominates Series C and beyond stage companies.74% of Series A rounds in Austin in Q2 2023 were bridge rounds, above the 44%-56% bridge round rate seen in other top regions, showing the high impact of the bubble on Austin startups.Diversification across sectors is an advantage for Austin versus other regions more dependent on specific verticals like biotech or SaaS. This diversity makes Austin better positioned to withstand downturns impacting individual sectors.Growth drivers like university talent, experienced angels, connector events, and an influx of talent from other regions position Austin for continued growth into a top-tier startup hub.What’s Next Austin? “I don't get the sense that it needs to prove itself anymore as a great place for venture capital and startups. Now, what it has to do is double down on some of the deepening things that happen in places like the bay and elsewhere. Is there enough density of interesting people who are excited about hard problems that want to get together and talk nerdy stuff to each other? And I think that's the place that Austin is at now, where that's like the last bit of ecosystem you turn around and you say, there's so much new stuff happening here.”Carta & Austin Next Austin's Innovation Landscape 1H 2023 Review Slides Peter Walker: LinkedIn, TwitterCarta: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

How do defined tracks and cultural status symbols passed on from previous generations affect a person’s life choices? When we break with those paths is that being self-employed, an entrepreneur, a creative, or something else? In this episode, we challenge the traditional notions of career paths and entrepreneurial journeys, with thought leader and author of "The Pathless Path" Paul Millerd. The conversation delves into his unconventional road to professional and creative fulfillment, how technology is creating more opportunity for people to follow the Pathless Path, and the role of storytellers & creatives in innovation ecosystems like Austin. Episode HighlightsPaul highlights the concepts from his book "The Pathless Path" that challenge traditional career paths and encourage unique, individual journeys in our evolving economy.Paul emphasizes the significant shift in work and career trajectories due to changing economic trends and advancements in technology, heralding new opportunities for autonomy and creativity.Alternative funding methods like the Thiel Fellowship and Emergent Ventures provide support for unconventional ideas and experiments, reshaping solopreneurship and entrepreneurship beyond just traditional VC-backed startups.The conversation underscores the role creatives historically have played in innovation ecosystems and how today that role is also being filled by digital storytellers, comedians, podcasters, creators, YouTubers, and Instagrammers. As Austin continues its rapid growth, rising costs pose a challenge to its creative scene, but acknowledging these obstacles allows for the formulation of strategies to maintain an inclusive and accessible hub for creativity and innovation.What’s next, Austin? “I actually do think storytellers, creators, YouTubers, Instagrammers, they're sort of underrated. They're storytellers that can link those different worlds. I think creative people are very natural at shifting between ideas and crowds and groups. Austin has been able to cultivate a scene around that, and I think it will continue to emerge and grow. What will it look like in ten years?  The history of Austin is that scenes have always emerged and sort of faded away. So, what is the next scene? How do you keep cultivating that environment? Is it going to become too expensive to nurture and cultivate those scenes? I don't know. But yeah, it's going to be interesting to watch.”Paul Millerd: Website, Podcast, YouTube, X/TwitterThe Pathless Path -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this culminating episode of Austin Next's first era, Jason engages with AndiBot, the AI-powered chatbot that amalgamates the insights of 19 innovation thinkers. Together, they explore AndiBot’s perspectives on how Austin can ascend to a superstar innovation hub. Later, Michael joins in for a reflective discussion on the AI's capabilities and the insights shared. Plus, don’t miss our special announcement that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Austin Next.Episode HighlightsThe Austin Next Dynamic Innovation ChatBot, or AndiBot, is an AI-powered chatbot anchored on ChatGPT, and is powered by a “hivemind” that brings together the intellectual prowess of innovation trailblazers such as Clayton Christensen, Everett Rogers, and Mariana Mazzucato. Tasked with unraveling insights and forging new pathways, AndiBot endeavors to illuminate the steps necessary for Austin to transition from a thriving ecosystem to a superstar innovation hub.Characterizing an innovation superstar hub, AndiBot outlines the quintessential traits: setting global trends, attracting a diverse talent pool, nurturing groundbreaking innovations, fostering a spirited entrepreneurial culture, establishing global collaborations, and achieving brand ubiquity in innovation.AndiBot evaluates Austin’s innovation ecosystem at 7.5 with Silicon Valley as the pinnacle scoring a 10. She commends Austin's startup landscape, academic strength, and appeal to tech giants, but signals the imperatives of escalating startup density, talent diversity, capital influx, and global network expansion.Jason and Michael reflect on the AndiBot interview and discuss the shift from coding to prompting in AI technology, signaling the emergence of more sophisticated and intuitive user interfaces.Exploring Austin's startup landscape, they articulate the connection between productivity and external perception, proposing that a boost in perceived value could stimulate infrastructural improvements.Jason spotlights Austin’s ability to “punch above its weight” noting the discrepancies between Austin's startup infrastructure rank (25th in the country) and its high ranking in exit values (6th in the nation, 9th globally) according to a recent Dealroom report.This episode marks a transition as Michael is taking a step back from the podcast and will return as the occasional guest.What’s next Austin? “I honestly believe only good things are going to happen next. I think we're going to have a recession nationwide within the next six months. But Austin, as we've discussed, is the last in and the first out. We need to keep Austin weird. It has worked so far for this town.”Episode LinksThe Next Generation of Tech Ecosystems Report by Dealroom -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, we dive into the world of patient capital and its potential to bring about transformative changes in climate technology. Joining us is David J. Neff, Operating Partner at Ecliptic Capital, who sheds light on Ecliptic's forward-thinking climatetech investment strategy, how they find innovations, and Austin's future as a hub for the sector.Episode HighlightsEcliptic Capital champions climatetech by prioritizing investments in adaptation, building and electrification, and then climate-friendly materials, aiming for long-term impact on climate issues and sustainable innovation.David outlines a triad for university tech transfer success: forging ties with venture capital, aligning mutual goals, and employing discerning professionals to sift groundbreaking technology from incremental improvements.The episode tackles the intricate regulatory landscape in climatetech, spotlighting the prolonged time to market and evolving environmental regulations as challenges.David emphasizes Austin's potential to transcend its software and SaaS prowess and emerge as a stronghold for climate technology and material science innovation.What’s next for Ecliptic Capital? “I think what's next for Ecliptic Capital is continuing a laser focus on really working with our founders, the people we've deployed capital to you. So I think we're continuing to do that. I think in fall of this year, we'll start talking about fund two and raising for fund two with very similar thesis.”What’s next Austin? “I hope people are thinking about climate. And the climate crisis is one of the fundamental biggest problems of this generation and the next generation. They quit that big tech job to go work on climate and I hope I see a lot more of that in Austin. It would make me very, very happy and our kids and our grandkids very happy that that's the problem you chose to work on.”Episode linksDavid J. Neff: LinkedIn, TwitterEcliptic Capital: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterEmbracing Systemic Complexity: The Ecliptic Capital Climate Thesis -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack