Why I'm Leaving My Company Immediately (Stability AI) | Emad Mostaque | EP #93

Added: Mar 29, 2024

Reasons for Stepping Down as CEO

Emad felt relieved after stepping down as CEO of Stability AI because he realized that he was not best suited for certain aspects of the role. He believes that his skills lie in research, strategy, and design, rather than in operations and business development. He also expressed concerns about the governance of AI and the need for a decentralized approach to ensure that the technology benefits humanity as a whole.

Importance of Democratized and Decentralized AI

Emad advocates for democratized and decentralized AI, where the technology is accessible to everyone and governed by the people. He believes that AI should reflect the culture and values of each country and that data sets should be structured to enable the creation of models that benefit the local populace. He emphasizes the need for standards and transparency in AI governance to ensure that the technology is used ethically and responsibly.

Advice to National Leaders

Emad advises national leaders to start collecting data sets that would be used to train intelligent AI models. He suggests focusing on national broadcast data, curriculum, accounting, legal information, and other relevant data sets. He believes that by the end of the next year, training models will become more affordable and accessible, paving the way for democratized AI.

Partnership with Otoy, Endeavor, and Render Network

Emad discusses the recent partnership of Stability AI with Otoy, Endeavor, and Render Network to leverage their resources for democratized AI. Otoy serves as a bridge to the creative industry, while Render Network provides a million GPUs for distributed compute. The initial collaboration involves funding and working on high-quality 3D data sets to advance AI research and development.

Future Vision for AI

Emad envisions a future where AI is used to improve healthcare and education on a global scale. He believes that AI can help diagnose diseases early, extend healthy lifespans, and provide personalized education to every child. He emphasizes the importance of capturing cultural knowledge and expertise through AI to ensure that valuable information is not lost over time.

Emad believes that democracy, as it currently exists, may not survive the advancements in AI technology. He sees two possible paths for the future: one where AI is used to control and manipulate individuals, leading to a dystopian society, and another where AI is used to empower and uplift humanity. He advocates for a decentralized approach to AI governance, where every individual has an AI that enhances their potential and coordinates with others to achieve collective goals.

Coordination Among AI Systems

Emad discusses the importance of a Web 3 protocol that facilitates communication and coordination among AI systems. He envisions setting up AI infrastructure companies in every major sector, such as healthcare and education, to address the challenges of the future. These companies would bring together the brightest minds to solve complex problems and create a standard protocol for coordinating AI systems. He believes that financial, human, and political capital are essential for effecting change in the world. By creating national champions in each country and coordinating efforts globally, Emad aims to build a collective intelligence that empowers individuals and nations.

Decentralized Power in Technology

Emad discusses the importance of decentralization in technology, citing examples like Bitcoin's success due to Satoshi's decision not to retain power. He believes that centralized power can lead to failure, as seen in previous attempts at creating similar technologies. He stresses the need for a decentralized approach to technology to ensure its success and longevity.

The Vision for Generative AI in Health

Emad shares his vision for using generative AI in the healthcare sector. He talks about his experience in using AI to analyze clinical literature and biomolecular pathways to help his son with autism. He envisions a health operating system that provides comprehensive and up-to-date information to individuals, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health. He believes that this technology can revolutionize healthcare and improve outcomes for millions of people.

The Vision for a Decentralized Future

Emad acknowledges the challenges in implementing decentralized AI, especially in the face of powerful centralized systems being developed by tech giants. He believes that the current trajectory of centralized AI systems could lead to a loss of freedom and liberty for individuals. He advocates for a decentralized approach to AI that empowers individuals and promotes collective intelligence over centralized control.

Emad warns against the dangers of centralized AI systems achieving superintelligence and the potential risks they pose to humanity. He believes that a decentralized approach to AI is safer and more beneficial in the long run. He emphasizes the need for collective intelligence and distributed systems to counter the growing power of centralized AI systems.

Emad envisions a future where decentralized intelligence and collective decision-making shape the development of AI technologies. He believes that a decentralized approach to AI can lead to a more equitable and inclusive society. He calls for a shift towards decentralized systems that prioritize the well-being and agency of individuals over centralized control.

Engagement with Leaders and National Governments

Emad discusses his interactions with national leaders and the importance of engaging with them to promote decentralized AI systems. He believes that many leaders are open to embracing new technologies that can benefit their countries and improve the lives of their citizens. He sees an opportunity to work with leaders to implement decentralized AI systems that prioritize the needs of the people.

Timeline for White Paper Release

Emad shares his timeline for releasing a white paper outlining his vision for decentralized AI. He acknowledges the importance of getting the vision out there and is working diligently to finalize the details. Emad hopes that the white paper will serve as a starting point for others to build upon and improve upon his ideas for a decentralized future.

Excitement for the Future

Despite leaving his role as CEO of Stability AI, Emad is excited about the future and the potential impact he can have in shaping the direction of AI technology. He views this transition as an opportunity to accelerate progress in the field and give away power to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of all. He is enthusiastic about the possibilities of AI as an infrastructure that can transform every aspect of society.