In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, focus and innovation are paramount. Jason Warner, the co-founder and CEO of Poolside, has made a bold declaration: companies should direct their efforts towards building applications rather than merely developing foundational AI models. This assertion, presented at the HumanX AI conference, challenges the prevailing notion of prioritizing foundational models, which have often been viewed as the gold standard in AI development.
Warner emphasizes that true intelligence is critical not just in technology but as a fundamental resource akin to electricity. His view suggests that companies practicing middle-ground ideologies, treating foundational models as mere fundraising tools, are missing the forest for the trees. For Warner, the stakes are high; the separation between companies that will revolutionize humanity and those that merely churn out cash is becoming increasingly distinct.
The Power of Application over Model
Warner’s critique of those seeking “nice to have” models rather than substantial applications is striking. He proposes that when foundational models fail to serve a concrete purpose, they risk becoming irrelevant in a competitive landscape. By advocating for a paradigm shift towards practical applications, Warner is urging businesses to identify real-world problems that AI can navigate efficiently. The message is clear: if you’re not prepared to fully invest in the application of intelligence, then your chances of impact may be diminished.
Crucially, Warner argues that even companies that develop foundational models must integrate these into broader applications. The future belongs to those who can connect theory and practice, transforming concepts into tools that can address complex challenges. As the AI ecosystem matures, this approach will likely become a prerequisite for innovation.
Aiming for the Stars: Poolside’s Ambitions
Poolside, founded in 2023, is positioning itself at the forefront of this application-first mindset. With ventures into challenging sectors like defense and potential consumer applications, the company is not shying away from ambitious goals. Warner believes that if you aim to change the very fabric of what technology can achieve, you must be willing to tackle the hardest environments. There’s an undeniable thrill in this ambition—after all, true innovation often lies outside the comfort zone.
As one of the start-ups backed by over $620 million in venture capital and boasting a valuation of $3 billion, Poolside represents a paradigm shift in how AI is perceived and applied. Warner’s prior experience as the CTO at GitHub and a managing director at Redpoint adds weight to the proposition that thoughtful, innovative leadership can steer the AI narrative in unprecedented directions.
A Call to Innovate or Get Left Behind
Moreover, Warner’s perspective poses an existential question to others in the AI field: Are you building for the future, or simply along for the ride? Companies that hesitate to embrace the notion of intelligence as a commodity may find themselves outpaced, overshadowed by those willing to take risks and pursue transformative applications. The message is not just a personal opinion; it is a directive toward a more audacious understanding of the AI landscape.
As the industry moves forward, it is those who prioritize the marriage of intelligence and application that will shape the conversation. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the clarion call from leaders like Warner reminds us that the future of AI isn’t solely about powerful models; it’s about their application in our everyday realities and the ultimate impact on humanity.