The Five Nine: Sorting fact from fiction when it comes to GenAI hype

Update 10/11/2024: Shortly after this podcast published, Zapata revealed in an SEC filing it had ceased operations. It did not disclose a reason for the sudden shutdown. 

This week, we’re diving into the wonderful world of artificial intelligence, taking an in-depth look at how to balance risks inherent in the technology with the high expectations generated by a now years-long hype cycle. And we couldn’t have a better guest to explore the topic with. 

Christopher Savoie is the co-inventor of something called the adaptive agent oriented software architecture. And what the heck is that? Well, it’s the AI-based natural language interface technology used to develop Apple’s Siri. 

Long story short, Savoie has been working in this space since the late ‘90s. He is now founder and CEO of Boston-based Zapata Computing, a quantum-AI software company, which was spun out of Harvard in 2017 to tackle generative AI for industrial applications.

So, what’s his take on what’s hype and what could someday be reality? 

Let’s find out. 

This podcast is written and hosted by Diana Goovaerts. It is edited by Diana Goovaerts and Matt Rickman. Liz Coyne is our executive producer.

To learn more about the topics in this episode: