"Artificial Super Intelligence: The Last Human Invention - Ever?"

"Artificial Superintelligence: The last human invention - ever?"
with Toby Velte

In this talk we’ll follow the swift technological advances that are poised to produce intelligence surpassing human cognition in every domain before turning to the societal and existential stakes of such a system. We will focus on the “alignment challenge” keeping such system aligned with human values and argue that solving it is possibly the most urgent engineering challenge of the century. We will also confront the provocative claim that Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) would be humanity’s final invention, asking what role humans have once intelligent systems begin to take on tasks that once defined us. By the end of the session, attendees will be reaching for their pints and actively debating the open scientific and ethical questions that will determine whether ASI becomes a catalyst for unprecedented flourishing of the human condition or an irreversible existential hazard.

Bio

Dr. Toby Velte is an AI entrepreneur who founded Probility AI and Budscout AI in 2021. He has previously worked at Google, Amazon (AWS), and Microsoft, where he expanded teams from a single member to over 1,000 employees. Dr. Velte specialises in assisting Global 1000 companies with transforming their business models and developing new products using AI and cloud computing. He is also a prolific writer, contributing to business technology literature, including articles for Harvard Business Review and Think , and has authored 16 best-selling technology books published globally by McGraw-Hill.

Dr. Velte holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Computational Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota, and he completed his post-doctoral training at Harvard University. In 2021, he earned an MBA from Kellogg, followed by a diploma in AI for Business from Oxford in 2023. In 2024, he was a Sloan Fellow at LBS. Dr. Velte frequently serves as a guest lecturer for LBS degree programmes and is actively involved in developing and delivering new courses on AI for Business within LBS’s Executive Education programme.

His work focuses on understanding AI's transformative impact across various domains, including strategy, marketing, and private equity. In strategy, he explores AI's disruption of industries, its strategic implications, and its role in innovation and product development, alongside adoption strategies and future trends. In marketing, he focuses on AI integration for enhanced effectiveness, personalisation, automation, predictive analytics, and emerging trends shaping the industry. In private equity, his work provides an overview of AI services, identifies investment opportunities, assesses risks, examines market trends, and offers strategic implementation insights to enhance portfolio performance and growth.

Venue:
Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall
Kentish Town
NW5 3ED

15 minute walk from Camden Town tube station (Northern line) and 10 minutes from Kentish Town station (Northern line). 1 minute from Kentish Town West (Mildmay line).

Event Running Time:
TALK 1 (Same content, earlier schedule)
Doors 5pm
Introduction 6:05pm
Lecture 6:10pm
Q&A 6:50pm

TALK 2
Doors: 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQ

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (about 35-40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by audience Q&A. The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.