FT Tech Tonic

Defence tech is booming in the US. Start-ups building drones, missiles and AI systems are competing with established companies for a piece of the US defence budget. Are these new participants the future of the defence industry? John Thornhill hears from investors and founders, and we visit the neighbourhood of El Segundo in Los Angeles, dubbed the Silicon Valley of defence tech.Free to read: The age of drone warfare is disrupting the defence industryUS defence industry braced for tech shake-up under TrumpThe appetite for US defence tech is growingThis episode of Tech Tonic is produced by Peris Love. Edwin Lane is the senior producer. The executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz. Sound design by Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, and Joseph Salcedo. Original music by Metaphor Music. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gyorgy Tsukakaya, Advisor to Ukraine's Minister for Digital Transformation and key figure in the Army of Drones project, discusses the revolution of drone warfare in Ukraine. He shares how drones have transformed combat dynamics, boosting supply transport, surveillance, and attacks. Tsukakaya highlights the vital role of volunteer initiatives and the government’s efforts to accelerate drone production. He also touches on the implications for global military strategies and the future of autonomous drones in warfare, showcasing Ukraine's innovative approach amid conflict.

Explore the revolution in warfare with the introduction of advanced tech like drones and AI systems in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Gaza. Discover how innovative start-ups are disrupting the traditional defense industry with cutting-edge weaponry. The ethical quandaries surrounding the use of these technologies are scrutinized, challenging our perceptions of combat and civilian safety. Join the discussion on how the future of war is evolving and what it means for global security.

The landscape of generative AI is evolving rapidly with companies like OpenAI and Meta striving for dominance. DeepSeek’s rise as a cost-effective alternative has shaken the market, prompting reevaluation of traditional business models. The podcast dives into the complexities of achieving artificial general intelligence and the associated economic implications. It also tackles the paradox of profitability in AI, comparing it to the airline industry, while emphasizing the importance of user interface in maintaining user loyalty.

In this discussion, George Lee, co-head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute, shares his optimistic views on AI's potential alongside Jim Covello, head of global equity research. They debate the investment landscape of AI, questioning if generative AI is overvalued. The conversation includes insights from industry leaders like Victor Riparbelli and Amjad Masad on their startups' journeys and the search for a profit-generating ‘killer app’. They explore AI's transformative impacts, particularly in customer service, and the challenges of employee adaptation to new technologies.

The podcast dives into the profitability of generative AI, questioning whether the hype can translate into real returns. It explores the billions invested in AI since the rise of ChatGPT and evaluates efforts to find a so-called 'killer app.' The discussion also highlights challenges faced by users and examines if leading tech firms in Silicon Valley might be miscalculating their AI strategies. Tune in to uncover insights on the future of AI and its potential financial impact.

Aura Salla, former Meta lobbyist and current MEP, provides an insider’s view on EU tech regulation. She discusses the balance between curbing big tech's power and fostering innovation in Europe. Salla critiques the implications of the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, emphasizing their potential to stifle local tech growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of regulating platforms like X under Elon Musk, and the complexities surrounding the EU's AI regulatory landscape, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability and competition in the tech industry.

Eleanor Olcott, the Financial Times’ China technology correspondent, dives into the stunning rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company challenging the U.S. tech landscape. They discuss how DeepSeek’s R1 model demonstrates China's leap in AI innovation despite U.S. export controls. The conversation shifts to open-source initiatives fueling this advancement and the implications on global competition with giants like OpenAI. Olcott also highlights China's ambition for AI chip independence, raising crucial questions about the future of tech rivalry.

Reid Hoffman, billionaire founder of LinkedIn and a venture capitalist, shares his insights on the booming artificial intelligence scene in Silicon Valley. He discusses the massive investment influx into AI startups and the mixed political climate under Trump, weighing potential benefits against regulatory challenges. Hoffman also highlights the transformative impact of AI on various industries, emphasizing the need for thoughtful design to maximize societal benefits. Expect an engaging take on the future of tech and innovation!

Joe Miller, the Financial Times' Washington correspondent, dives into the intersection of tech and politics, focusing on Elon Musk's influence under Trump's presidency. Hannah Murphy discusses the impact of social media regulations, while Stephen Morris examines the tech landscape and AI development. They explore how Trump's policies may reshape the industry, from potential tech oligarchies to the challenges for emerging platforms like Truth Social. The conversation presents an intriguing outlook on the tech world ahead in 2025.