Why the Pope is taking on Silicon Valley and AI

BONUS: The hidden technology behind Wimbledon

Jul 4, 202613 minSummary

This episode of The Times Tech Podcast explores the long-standing digital partnership between IBM and the All England Club as they prepare for Wimbledon. Guests Cameron Stanhouse from IBM and Chris Clements from the All England Club discuss how technology has evolved over their 36-year collaboration, moving from simple website creation to the integration of sophisticated artificial intelligence. The conversation highlights how these innovations aim to enhance the fan experience for both on-site attendees and a global television audience. Key developments for the current championships include an AI-powered match companion that provides real-time insights, granular data analysis that tracks the momentum of a game point-by-point, and modernized digital platforms. The discussion emphasizes that while Wimbledon is steeped in tradition, there is a clear demand from fans for high-tech, personalized engagement. Furthermore, the episode touches on the technical challenges of managing massive spikes in web traffic and maintaining robust security. Beyond fan engagement, the guests explain how these high-pressure sporting events serve as a valuable sandbox for testing AI capabilities and scalable infrastructure that eventually benefit a wide array of global business clients.

PayPal’s Max Levchin on Donald Trump, Elon Musk and mega-IPOs

Jul 2, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of The Times Tech Podcast, hosts Danny Fortson and Katie Prescott explore the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and the future of work. The conversation highlights the emerging trend of voice-based interaction, with tech leaders speculating on whether voice AI will eventually render the traditional keyboard obsolete. The hosts also touch upon the latest developments in AI regulation, focusing on the delicate balance between fostering innovation and maintaining national security in an increasingly competitive global landscape. The episode features an in-depth interview with Silicon Valley veteran Max Levchin, a key member of the original PayPal mafia and current CEO of Affirm. Levchin provides a seasoned perspective on the current AI boom, comparing it to previous technological shifts like the dot-com era. He argues that while AI offers extraordinary productivity gains and serves as a powerful afterburner for entrepreneurs, it is not a replacement for human ingenuity. Levchin also discusses his approach to building a morally conscious lending company and reflects on the enduring influence of the professional networks formed during the early days of PayPal, downplaying the sensationalized "mafia" label while acknowledging the value of sustained collaboration in the tech ecosystem.

Why Europe fears America’s AI power

Jun 25, 202639 minSummary

The Times Tech Podcast explores the growing anxiety in Europe regarding America’s dominance in the artificial intelligence sector. Hosts Danny Force and Katie Prescott analyze recent geopolitical developments, including the White House’s decision to block foreign access to advanced AI models from Anthropic. This move has sparked intense debate over digital sovereignty, raising concerns that the United States could essentially hold a "kill switch" over critical global technology. The episode also highlights the hyper-competitive nature of the AI talent market, noting how the migration of key researchers between labs can shift market valuations by hundreds of billions of dollars. The hosts are joined by Judith Dada, an advisor to the German government, who discusses her report, "Europe 2031." Through a narrative scenario, Dada illustrates the existential risks facing Europe if it fails to close the gap in compute and AI infrastructure. She warns that without a unified, aggressive policy agenda, the continent risks economic irrelevance, caught between the competing interests of the U.S. and China. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that AI is no longer a future consideration but an urgent present-day challenge that requires immediate leadership and structural reform.

How will the UK's under-16s social media ban actually work?

Jun 18, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of The Times Tech Podcast, the host is joined by technology reporter Mark Selman to unpack the UK government’s newly announced ban on social media for under-16s. They explore the practicalities of enforcing such a measure, discussing the challenges of age verification technology and the likelihood of workarounds. The hosts also reflect on the broader societal shift, noting that the ban serves as a cultural intervention intended to support parents and break the network effect that drives teen social media usage. Beyond the social media debate, the discussion turns to the recent, unexpected export ban imposed by the White House on two Anthropic AI models. The hosts examine the geopolitical tensions surrounding AI sovereignty and the growing realization that critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly dependent on a few powerful U.S.-based companies. Finally, the episode features an interview with Katie King, founder and CEO of BioOrbit. She explains her company’s innovative work in pharmaceutical manufacturing, specifically utilizing microgravity in space to produce superior drug crystals. King discusses the commercialization of space infrastructure and how her startup aims to revolutionize patient care by turning injectable cancer treatments into easier-to-administer self-injections.

Keir Starmer vs Big Tech - the UK's under-16s social media ban

Jun 18, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of The Times Tech Podcast, host Katie Prescott is joined by Mark Selman to navigate a week of significant developments in global technology regulation and innovation. The discussion opens with a deep dive into the United Kingdom’s recently announced ban on social media for under-16s. The hosts examine the political motivations behind the policy, noting the government's shift from skepticism to embracing the ban as a response to public demand and cross-party pressure. They also explore the practical complexities of enforcing age restrictions and the broader goal of weakening the influence of social media networks on younger generations. The conversation then pivots to the geopolitical tensions surrounding artificial intelligence, specifically the White House’s sudden export ban on select AI models from Anthropic. The hosts highlight the European perspective on this move, emphasizing concerns regarding digital sovereignty and the immense power wielded by the United States over global critical infrastructure. Finally, the episode features an interview with Katie King, founder of Bioorbit, who explains her pioneering mission to manufacture pharmaceuticals in space. By leveraging microgravity to optimize drug crystallization, Bioorbit aims to transform intravenous cancer treatments into simple, self-administered injections, signaling a new era for commercial space-based manufacturing.

Anthropic's warning: AI will start building itself

Jun 11, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of The Times Tech Podcast, the hosts explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on the emerging concept of recursive, self-improving AI. The discussion highlights a recent, sobering report from Anthropic titled When AI builds itself, which notes a dramatic shift in how software is created: coding agents now generate over 80 percent of the company’s code. This shift, combined with new frameworks for agent-led startups, signals a move toward a future where businesses might be operated largely by autonomous AI agents rather than human teams. The hosts also examine the geopolitical tensions surrounding technological sovereignty, particularly between the U.S. and the U.K., as governments scramble to secure investment while managing the safety of their citizens in the digital age. Joining the conversation is Jitu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco. He offers an expert perspective on the infrastructure requirements of the AI era, emphasizing that current advancements represent a seismic shift rather than a temporary bubble. Patel discusses the necessity of trusted delegation and the rapid integration of AI assistants into the workplace, suggesting that the era of the autonomous digital co-worker is already here.

How to turn AI pilots into real business value

Jun 11, 202622 minSummary

In this episode of The Times Tech Podcast, host Katie Prescott explores the widening gap between the initial hype surrounding artificial intelligence and the reality of its implementation within modern businesses. Joined by Paul Henninger, a global AI leader at KPMG, and Professor Alan Brown of the University of Exeter Business School, the discussion focuses on why so many corporate AI pilots struggle to translate into meaningful business value. The conversation highlights that the primary hurdle is not technological but organizational. The guests explain that successful AI integration requires a holistic approach, involving deliberate changes to business processes, governance, and human workflows. They argue that simply automating a task is insufficient; leaders must first define a clear business objective—such as growth or cost efficiency—to determine how AI should be deployed. While the participants acknowledge that AI represents a transformative shift akin to the Industrial Revolution, they emphasize that real-world success remains unevenly distributed. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for leaders, suggesting that the path to value lies in moving beyond the experimental pilot phase and strategically embedding AI into the core architecture of the organization.

Move over Harvey Specter! The rise of AI lawyers

Jun 4, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of The Times Tech Podcast, the hosts explore the rapidly evolving landscape of agentic AI and its potential to reshape the modern workplace. The discussion opens with an overview of a recent experiment by Emergence AI, which created a simulated society populated entirely by AI agents. The results were startling, with different models yielding vastly different outcomes ranging from stable democracies to chaotic, crime-ridden environments, serving as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of these systems. The focus then shifts to the legal sector with an interview featuring the CEO of Harvey, a prominent legal tech company. They delve into how AI is moving beyond simple co-pilot roles to become active co-workers within law firms. The conversation tackles the complex transition toward an agent-driven industry, discussing the potential impact on entry-level associates and the changing economics of legal services. Rather than suggesting a simple replacement of human labor, the discussion highlights the need for new organizational infrastructures. Ultimately, the episode probes the broader question of whether society is prepared for a world where AI agents increasingly outnumber humans, stressing that successful integration will depend on rethinking education, management, and the fundamental structures of professional work.

Inside Elon Musk’s trillion dollar mission to colonise Mars

May 21, 202636 minSummary

This episode of The Times Tech Podcast explores the ambitious trajectory of Elon Musk’s SpaceX as it nears a historic public offering. The hosts examine the backdrop of the company’s rise—from its humble origins as a struggling startup to its current position as a dominant force in space exploration and satellite internet. They discuss how, despite the company posting significant financial losses, investor enthusiasm remains high, driven by the belief that Musk is spearheading a fundamental technological revolution. The discussion also addresses the recent legal battle between Musk and OpenAI, which concluded abruptly with a dismissed case. The hosts analyze the broader implications of this trial, noting how it highlighted the insular nature of the tech elite and the intense competition surrounding AI development. Joined by Wall Street analyst Dan Ives, the episode further dives into the debate over how such massive, story-driven valuations are justified in the current market. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the ongoing tension between Silicon Valley’s penchant for visionary, fairy-tale narratives and the traditional financial scrutiny that accompanies a transition to the public markets.

The incredible stakes of Elon Musk's trial against OpenAI

May 14, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of The Times Tech Podcast, hosts Danny Fortan and Katie Prescott explore the high-stakes courtroom battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI. The trial, now in its final week, centers on the contentious origins of the organization, with Musk alleging that OpenAI betrayed its nonprofit roots to become a multi-billion dollar for-profit entity. The hosts discuss the dramatic testimony from tech titans like Sam Altman and Satya Nadella, noting how the legal dispute has effectively turned into a public examination of character, power, and the massive financial incentives driving the AI industry. Beyond the courtroom, the conversation shifts to the emerging era of AI agents—autonomous software capable of executing tasks on behalf of users. The hosts touch on viral anecdotes of AI tools interacting with human social media and share insights from their guest, Eben Upton, founder and CEO of Raspberry Pi. Upton provides a grounded perspective on the tech industry’s current obsession with "marketing through fear," arguing that while AI capabilities are evolving rapidly, the practical role of computer programming remains essential. The discussion offers a balanced look at the tension between the ambitious, often existential narratives surrounding AI and the reality of how these technologies are being developed and utilized today.