Steve Kinard, President of the AI Innovation Association, discusses Bitcoin mining and the environmental implications that turned him into an advocate with the Texas Blockchain Council. He also emphasizes the inevitability of AI's disruptive impact across industries, and advocates for prioritizing open source collaboration as the cornerstone of technological innovation.

Key Takeaways: 

• How Texas is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation, fostering grid innovation and digital property rights

• Ways that AI is impacting the energy sector; Bitcoin mining and its environmental implications

• Why first principles on open source technology is critical to the AI Innovation Association and the AI sector in general

Guest Bio: Steve Kinard is the President of AI Innovation Association. Previously, he served as the Director of Policy and Director of Bitcoin Mining at the Texas Blockchain Council, an industry association dedicated to making Texas a leader in Bitcoin innovation. He was instrumental in developing innovative programing and workforce development partnerships with universities while growing corporate membership in an emerging industry. He was actively involved in legislative advocacy regarding technology policy, and in opposing onerous regulation and federal government overreach. Prior to that, he was an entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry, and worked in energy banking.

Steve holds a BA in International Studies from Texas A&M University, an MBA from George Washington University. He lives in Richardson, Texas.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.

The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.

Music by: Ari Dvorin

Produced by: Sam Laliberte