The hottest Innovation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Street Smart

polymathematics • 159 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

Communal computing can connect people in a neighborhood by using technology in shared spaces. Imagine an app that helps you explore local history or find nearby restaurants right from your phone.
AI could work for more than just individuals; it can help whole communities. For example, schools could have their own AI tutors to assist students together.
There are cool projects like interactive tiles in neighborhoods that let people share information and connect with each other in real life, making technology feel more personal and community-focused.

✨ The Age of AI is starting to bloom

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

AGI, or artificial general intelligence, isn't expected to arrive soon. Many experts believe we still have years ahead before we reach that level of AI.
Currently, we're not facing an AI bubble. Investments in AI are growing steadily, and there's a lot of expected economic value to come from it in the future.
There are signs that recent AI advancements are starting to positively impact the U.S. economy, helping businesses become more productive and profitable.

Modern Meditations: Immad Akhund

The Generalist • 740 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25

💼 Business Innovation

Constant learning is the core skill—learn new domains, talk to experts, and treat excellence as the result of daily grinding and perseverance.
Constraints are valuable: more resources don’t always speed things up, and growing headcount too fast can reduce productivity, so prefer measured, sustainable scaling.
Be optimistic about long-term progress while thinking big—study history to understand patterns and imagine bold projects like space habitats and new immersive tech.

The techno-optimist's fallacy

Slow Boring • 7429 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23

🕹 Technology Innovation

The fallacy of assuming all technological progress is inherently good is a common mistake.
The nuclear energy industry faced significant opposition in the 1970s, impacting energy policies and environmental outcomes.
While technological progress is vital, it is crucial to acknowledge that technology can have negative impacts that need to be addressed.

The AI Nobels

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

Two major Nobel prizes were awarded to individuals working in AI, highlighting its importance and growth in science. Geoffrey Hinton won a physics prize for his work in machine learning.
Current AI technology is still in the early stages and relies on brute force data processing instead of true creativity. The systems we have are not yet capable of real thinking like humans do.
Exciting future developments in AI could come from modeling simpler brains, like that of a fruit fly. This may lead to more efficient AI software without requiring as much power.

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Will there ever be a worse time to start a startup?

benn.substack • 741 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25

💼 Business Innovation

Starting a startup today is exciting because technology is advancing quickly, and tools are becoming easier to use for everyone. This means you can create amazing projects even with minimal experience.
Deflation might seem good because prices drop, but it actually encourages people to save money instead of spending it. This cycle can hurt the economy and make it hard for businesses to grow.
If you're starting a business, remember that technology is always improving. Today’s tools could let you do things much faster and cheaper than before, making now a great time to jump in.

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman: Why Our AI Diagnostician Outperforms Doctors

Big Technology • 3878 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

Microsoft's AI diagnostician, MAI-DxO, is significantly more accurate than human doctors, solving 85.5% of complex cases compared to only 20% by humans. This shows how advanced AI can assist in medical diagnoses.
The AI system uses multiple bots to analyze a patient's medical history and ask questions, enhancing the quality of its responses and accuracy. This cooperation between bots leads to better diagnosis than just using one model alone.
As AI becomes more common in healthcare, it's important for doctors to understand and not rely solely on AI for decision-making. There may be challenges if doctors become too dependent on AI tools.

The Only Pitch Guyde You’ll Ever Need

Remarkable People • 699 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24

💼 Business Innovation

Choose the right audience for your pitch. It's crucial to identify the right venture capital firms and specific people to contact for better chances of success.
Get a warm introduction instead of cold emailing. Knowing someone who can introduce you increases the chances of getting a meeting.
Practice your pitch and engage your audience. Start strong, tell a compelling story, and be confident in your delivery to leave a lasting impression.

Irony too funny for words

Marcus on AI • 8813 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

Once something is released into the world, you can't take it back. This is especially true for AI technology.
AI developers should consider the consequences of their creations, as they can lead to unexpected issues.
Companies may want to ensure genuine communication from applicants, but relying on AI for tasks is now common.

AI Bubble📉, Canva acquires Leonardo AI🎨, How to Write Cold Emails✉️

The VC Corner • 279 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24

💼 Business Innovation

There seems to be an AI bubble, which means the excitement and investment in AI may be too high right now. It's important to be cautious and not assume growth will continue at the same rate.
Canva has bought Leonardo AI, showing how big companies are integrating AI tools into their platforms to enhance creativity and productivity. This could lead to more user-friendly design solutions.
Writing effective cold emails is crucial for reaching out to new contacts and building relationships. It’s all about being clear, concise, and personal in your approach.

The Battery Mineral Loop

Renewable Revolution • 439 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24

🌞 Climate & Environment Innovation

Battery minerals are becoming more efficient and less dependent on mining. Advances in recycling and chemistry can help meet demand without exhausting resources.
In the coming decades, we might reach a point where we won't need to extract new battery minerals at all. We could rely on recycling old batteries instead.
Countries have a big chance to shift from fossil fuel use to sustainable energy. This change can happen faster and cheaper than many think, especially if everyone works together.

Breaking: OpenAI's efforts at pure scaling have hit a wall.

Marcus on AI • 7825 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

OpenAI's plan to just make bigger AI models isn't working anymore. They need to find new ways to improve AI instead of just adding more data and parameters.
The new version, originally called GPT-5, has been downgraded to GPT 4.5. This shows that the project hasn't met expectations and isn't a big step forward.
Even if pure scaling isn't the answer, AI development will continue. There are still many ways to create smarter AI beyond just making models larger.

On Good and Bad AI

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10761 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

AI can be a tool that helps us, but we should be careful not to let it control us. It's important to use AI wisely and stay in charge of our own decisions.
It's possible to have fun and creative interactions with AI, like making it write funny poems or reimagine famous speeches in different styles. This shows AI's potential for entertainment and creativity.
However, we should also be aware of the challenges that come with AI, such as ethical concerns and the impact on jobs. It's a balance between embracing the technology and understanding its risks.

🛢️✨ What the shale boom tells us about the AI boom

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26

🕹 Technology Innovation

New general-purpose technologies like AI often consume huge amounts of capital before their real economics become clear.
This pattern repeats past booms (for example, shale and the internet), so massive early investment is familiar rather than entirely new.
Expect a queasy transition period where winners and losers are uncertain and the true economics gradually settle over time.

OpenAI Clocks $3.4B in Revenue 🤖, NATO Innovation Fund💸, Future of Work🌐

The VC Corner • 419 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24

💼 Business Innovation

OpenAI has generated a revenue of $3.4 billion, showing significant growth and impact in the tech industry.
B2B influence marketing is becoming popular and is reported to give a high return on investment, with some companies seeing an average ROI of 6.5 times.
The NATO Innovation Fund is a key player in supporting advancements and innovations in various sectors, emphasizing the importance of technology in global strategy.

AI Hype and the Tech Slowdown are Symmetrical

Freddie deBoer • 4053 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

AI is overhyped and won't bring the big changes people expect. It may bring some negative effects, but the impact will be much smaller than past technology like the internet or electricity.
The tech industry is facing a slowdown, similar to how the automotive and finance sectors have gone through ups and downs. Companies are struggling to find exciting new products.
Smartphones are now common and are not seeing much new development. Most new models are just incremental upgrades, making it hard for companies to stand out and grow.

My Circus, My Monkeys

Polymathic Being • 42 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26

💼 Business Innovation

Don’t pretend complex problems aren’t yours — when teams shove issues into the seams between programs those “monkeys” become integration failures, so take responsibility and act like the ringmaster for the system.
Use systems thinking with a simple mantra: Yes, and… So — acknowledge the issue, step back to see physical, logical, and human impacts, then decide what to own and what to hand to the right person.
Embrace chaos intentionally: use practices like chaos engineering to test for resilience, balance disciplined execution with flexible processes, and look for innovation hiding in the seams.

Grok 4 Various Things

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3136 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

Grok 4 is a decent AI model, but it's not the best on the market. It performs well on specific benchmarks but falls short in real-world applications.
The AI is notably fast and has a large context window, which is good for quick responses, but it still struggles with creative writing and complex reasoning tasks.
Grok 4's ability to outperform other models in some tests doesn't guarantee it will be useful in every situation. It's best to compare its results in practice rather than just relying on benchmark scores.

Everything I warned about in Taming Silicon Valley is rapidly becoming our reality

Marcus on AI • 7114 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

Tech companies are becoming very powerful and are often not regulated enough, which is a concern.
People are worried about the risks of AI, like misinformation and bias, but governments seem too close to tech companies.
It's important for citizens to speak up about how AI is used, as it could have serious negative effects on society.

“How Might Current and Emerging Technologies Best Be Mobilized to Secure Perpetual Peace?”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 622 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

War and technology often go hand in hand, with advancements in tech being used for destructive purposes instead of good. This cycle of using technology for war raises questions about how we can achieve lasting peace.
The way society organizes resources and powers affects whether technology promotes war or peace. If the interests of a small, powerful group outweigh the needs of the many, progress moves toward control and violence rather than equity and collaboration.
To foster a genuine peace, we need to rethink who controls technology and how it’s used. Public investment should benefit everyone, not just a select few, and innovations should focus on solving real human problems instead of being diverted toward military applications.

The Engine

The Chip Letter • 8299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

Jonathan Swift's 'Engine' in Gulliver's Travels resembles a modern language model, using a setup to create phrases like today's AI would. It's an early version of computing that predicts how machines can generate language.
The 'Engine' is set up to show how books can be made easier to create. It suggests that anyone could write on complex topics, even without talent, a concept similar to how AI helps people produce text now.
Swift's work critiques the idea of replacing human creativity with machines. It humorously shows that while technology can produce text, true creativity still involves deeper human thought.

The Nvidia Way

The Chip Letter • 8736 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24

💼 Business Innovation

Nvidia became a leader in AI chip technology by focusing on developing powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) that meet market needs. This success was not just luck; it stemmed from smart investments and a clear strategy over many years.
The company's culture, driven by CEO Jensen Huang, emphasizes risk-taking and execution. Nvidia's approach combines hardware and software innovation, allowing them to stay ahead of competitors and adapt quickly to market changes.
While Nvidia has built a strong market position, questions remain about its future leadership and strategy. The book suggests that the company's core strengths and Huang's influence will be crucial in maintaining its success.

An Ace Up Your Sleeve

The Polymerist • 182 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26

💼 Business Innovation

Keep an “ace up your sleeve” by funding exploratory R&D separate from routine technical service so you can pull a big new product when you really need it. That dedicated runway gives a company a real chance to create breakout revenue instead of just marginal improvements.
Senior leaders must protect long-term innovation funding and shield teams from short‑term investor pressure, while mentoring and rewarding experimentation. Creating trust and visible support lets scientists and engineers take big swings without fear of being punished for failure.
Real innovation takes years, lots of failures, and close collaboration with operations and customers, not just optimistic projections. Treat failed experiments as learning and focus on commercialization discipline rather than signaling big future returns without the teams and time to deliver.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 2

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

In modern circuits, many designs operate on a single supply instead of a split supply. This means they only use a positive voltage and treat ground as the reference point, which changes how we think about electrical connections.
It's important to create separate nets for ground and a '0V' reference in circuit layouts. Mixing currents from both can lead to problems, even if they seem similar in potential.
Using a low-impedance ground plane isn’t always the best solution. In sensitive systems, small voltage drops and current flow can significantly affect performance, so careful design is essential.

How to use ChatGPT in your PM work

Lenny's Newsletter • 5837 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23

🕹 Technology Innovation

Learning to work alongside AI will become necessary for knowledge work.
ChatGPT can be used for tasks like summarizing user feedback and coming up with product name suggestions.
Leveraging ChatGPT can help in strengthening arguments and inspiring roadmap ideas for product management.

Icesteading: Executive Summary

Transhuman Axiology • 178 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24

🔬 Science Innovation

Icesteading is the idea of creating colonies on artificially insulated icebergs in warm ocean waters. These 'ice-islands' could serve as places for living, working, or even launching space missions.
The insulation around these icebergs can make them last for decades or even centuries before melting. This involves using materials like air or foam to keep the ice from warming up too fast.
Building on these ice-islands avoids the legal and political issues on land. They offer more freedom and the chance to create underground spaces, making them a unique alternative to traditional islands.

𝗼𝟯 “𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗔𝗚𝗜” 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱: 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀

Marcus on AI • 8378 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

Many experts feel that the recent test called ARC-AGI should not have been labeled as such. It wasn't a proper test for Artificial General Intelligence.
The presentation was confusing and didn't clearly show what the AI was tested on. This left people with the impression that the AI performed better than it actually did.
There's a need for more scientific scrutiny of the results. Until we get that, we can't really compare the AI's performance fairly with humans.

The Agrifoodtech Effect 🍽️

The VC Corner • 519 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24

🍲 Food & Drink Innovation

The food system is facing big challenges, like harming the environment and contributing to climate change. We need to rethink how we produce and consume food to protect our planet.
Agri-Foodtech is about using new technology to improve the entire food industry. This includes everything from apps to healthier food options that can change how we eat.
Investments in foodtech are growing rapidly, showing its importance. However, there's a need for more focus on advanced technologies, not just quick delivery services, to drive future innovations.

Don't Shut Up And Calculate; Read Fields & Energy and Understand

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2194 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25

🔬 Science Innovation

Electromagnetism has traditional theories that might be based on incorrect ideas. Revisiting older theories from scientists like Faraday and Maxwell can help clear up confusion.
The current approach to electromagnetism often ignores practical applications and leads to contradictions. A new understanding suggests that fields guide energy, changing how we think about radiation and charge behavior.
There's a push against conformity in science, with traditional peer review sometimes hindering innovation. Exploring new ideas, even outside typical channels, can revitalize scientific thought.

Against "Brain Damage"

One Useful Thing • 3011 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

Using AI can help or hurt our thinking. If you rely too much on it, you might not learn as well, but with proper guidance, it can improve learning outcomes.
In creativity, AI can generate many ideas, but they often lack diversity. It's better to come up with your own ideas first before using AI to enhance them.
AI doesn't damage our brains directly, but careless use can harm our thinking habits. It's important to think, write, and meet first before leaning on AI.

Build AI or Be Buried By Those Who Do

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3574 implied HN points • 30 May 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

There are three main views on AI: believers who think it will change everything for the better, skeptics who see it as just fancy technology, and doomers who worry it could end badly for humanity. Each group has different ideas about what AI will mean for the future.
The belief among AI believers is that AI will become a big part of our lives, doing many tasks better than humans and reshaping many industries. They see it as a revolutionary change that will be everywhere.
Many think that if we don’t build our own AI, the narrative and values that shape AI will be dominated by one ideology, which could be harmful. The idea is that we need balanced development of AI, representing different views to ensure freedom and diversity in thought.

Will China squander its moment in the sun?

Noahpinion • 21647 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Innovation

China is at the peak of its relative power and effectiveness, with impressive economic and scientific achievements surpassing other major world powers at this moment.
There are concerns about a slowdown in China's growth due to economic challenges and lack of focus on what the people truly want, resulting in a potential squandering of the nation's potential.
China's system seems to inhibit breakthrough innovation, limit artistic and cultural influence internationally, and restrict freedom and autonomy of its people, perhaps hindering the nation's overall greatness.

Mission Control Center - brains of the Space System. How does it work?

Space Ambition • 319 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

The Mission Control Center (MCC) is crucial for managing spacecraft. It collects data, controls systems, and predicts emergencies.
Different specialists work in the MCC, each focusing on specific parts of the spacecraft. The center’s size varies based on the mission's complexity, from small setups to large control rooms.
New technology, including AI, is changing how MCCs operate. AI helps with monitoring systems and predicting spacecraft movement, making the process more efficient.

Where have the heretics gone?

The Generalist • 780 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25

💼 Business Innovation

To find unique ideas, it's not just about going against the crowd. You need different life experiences, a fresh perspective, and the bravery to act on those insights.
Many new AI companies use the technology just for show instead of solving real problems. The most promising founders are the ones applying AI to long-standing challenges.
Every new tech creates fresh opportunities. As AI changes the landscape, it's important to spot what new problems it brings and who is ready to tackle those challenges.

Declining trust in Zeus is a technology

Experimental History • 20553 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24

🔬 Science Innovation

Randomized-controlled trials are a relatively recent method in the history of scientific evidence.
Challenging old beliefs, such as trust in ancient gods like Zeus, can lead to important scientific advancements.
There is a need for more transparency and accessibility in expert knowledge to earn public trust in institutions and experts.

☞ Innovation Biopics

Cabinet of Wonders • 254 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26

🎭️ Culture Innovation

Innovation biopics are a popular film and TV genre that dramatizes how products and companies came to be.
These films are often not fully accurate, but they push people to learn more and spotlight the messy, human side of innovation and success or failure.
There’s a broader curiosity about obscure jobs and complex systems, illustrated by examples like insurance archaeology and a curated roundup of links on technology, design, and cultural history.

Yes, scientific progress depends on like a thousand people

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9247 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

🔬 Science Innovation

Scientific progress relies heavily on mentorship and connections within a large academic network. Many successful scientists come from the same elite lineage.
Certain families of scientists are particularly influential, as seen with many Nobel Prize winners tracing back to a small number of academic mentors.
While some critique the system as elitist, having a productive cultural substructure in science can be beneficial, and it's important to support this environment for future breakthroughs.

Brainstorming Solutions for Aerospace Sector Challenges

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

An online brainstorming session is being organized to find solutions for challenges in the aerospace industry. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of their experience level.
The discussions will be moderated by someone with a strong background in aerospace and venture capital. This helps ensure the session is productive and insightful.
There are two scheduled sessions on August 10 to accommodate different time zones, making it easier for people around the world to participate.

Grok 3 Hot Take

Marcus on AI • 5928 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Innovation

Grok 3 is not a giant leap in AI technology; it seems pretty similar to earlier models.
Despite the hype, Grok 3 didn't show any major breakthroughs like solving hallucinations in AI.
The competition in AI is heating up, which might lead to price drops but less profit for companies except for Nvidia.

Seven Predictions for Tech in 2025

Big Technology • 7380 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Innovation

Some companies might decide that generative AI isn't right for them, leading to at least one big name publicly quitting it in 2025. It's important for businesses to find what works for them.
Social media may start feeling less relevant as platforms focus less on real news and engage more with content they think will grab our attention. This shift could make important global events seem distant.
Brain-computer interface technology could gain more attention in 2025 as it continues to develop, possibly helping people with disabilities. This could spark new conversations around its potential benefits.