Silicon Valley Mini Trip report

Singularity University http://singularityu.org/ brought me out to their summer graduate program held at NASA/Ames in Silicon Valley to talk about high impact directions that address several of S.U.’s “grand challenges” that could affect one billion people. I selected seawater agriculture, collective intelligence, orbital solar power satellites, meat without animals, and increasing individual intelligence. Jose Cordeiro, Chairman of The Millennium Project Node in Venezuela and leader of Singularity University’s Grand Challenge Program was the brilliant master of ceremonies and producer for the TED-like set of talks for the 80 or so students from 30 or so countries.

Jose and Paul Saffo, MP Planning Committee Member and Singularity University’s Futures Studies & Forecasting Chair arranged for the MP Silicon Valley Node Meeting led by Jack Gottsman, Chair of the Silicon Valley Node. Among the 20 attendees was Theva Nithy, chair of the Malaysian Node (who lead the collective intelligence project at the University of Science Malaysia, but now works with the Innovations Unit for the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate among educational innovators in Silicon Valley). He presented his new curriculum for Malaysia that will be available to the world that includes the 15 Global Challenges among other many resources. Some members of The SV Node expressed interest in collaborating with Theva on the project. Another possible collaboration for the Node initiated by Brock Hinzmann (recently retired from SRI) is the feasibility of applying some futuristic agricultural technologies in developing countries. Charles Ostman’s new work in hydroponics and vertical agriculture are possibilities. Bojana Fazarinc (co-author of the MP financial sustainability study) is also exploring long-term funding possibilities.

It was a short but great visit among the creative energies that have made Silicon Valley a world leader of innovations. Nice to be back in the area where there is no speed limit for the brain.

All the best,

Jerry