Demystifying AI and Blockchain at the Y3K Innovation Summit for Marginalized Groups
At the University of Southern California (USC), the Y3K Innovation Summit carved out a space for marginalized communities, shedding light on the potential benefits of AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies. The goal was to ensure these communities have an equal opportunity to embrace and harness new technological advances.
Tony Bravado, co-founder of the blockchain diversity group NFTCLT and one of the event’s organizers, expressed concerns over universities’ reservations towards crypto or Web3 technologies. Established in 2021, NFTCLT Solutions, based in Charlotte, focuses on imparting knowledge about cutting-edge technologies through community events and resources.
Bravado shared that the Y3K Innovation Summit was the culmination of years of planning, aiming to provide an inclusive and affordable platform. He hopes to expand the Y3K events to other educational institutions across the U.S., enabling more individuals to understand and leverage these technologies instead of fearing them due to media misconceptions.
For Bravado, presenting these technologies, including AI, blockchain, and the metaverse, in an understandable manner is crucial to prevent minority groups and people of color from being sidelined in conversations about these advancements. He warns of the dangers of not adapting to these technological shifts, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in the tech space.
Recent advancements in AI have sparked debates, with figures like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk advocating for a halt in development. There are also concerns about AI perpetuating biases, such as racism and stereotypes, and being used maliciously. However, Bravado is hopeful about AI’s potential in areas like healthcare, especially for underserved communities.
Highlighting the need for representation, Bravado pointed out the lack of funding and representation for minorities in tech. At Y3K, facilitators were deliberately chosen to reflect the communities they aim to serve, promoting relatability and inclusivity.
Taking place in the USC’s Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Library basement, the summit included diverse workshops and discussions around technology and Web3. Event sponsor, The Sandbox, offered attendees an interactive experience with blockchain gaming.
Josiah Way, formerly with USC and now associated with UCLA, commended the uniqueness of the Y3K Summit. Way spoke highly of the venue’s multidisciplinary features, such as the permanent NFT Art Gallery, hologram creator, and 3D modeling equipment. The space was conceptualized by Way as a hub for students from all fields to collaborate. Although the global pandemic in 2020 paused its development, the Y3K Summit marked its grand inauguration.
For Way, the summit encapsulated the core purpose of the venue — to ensure everyone has equal access to technology and its benefits, underscoring the belief that every individual holds value.
BluShark Media is your trusted pilot to navigate the ocean of web3, blockchain, NFTs, gaming & AI information.
