As someone with a passion for technology and innovation, being able to visit Singularity University was an amazing experience. I am an avid fan of SU’s founders, Ray Kurzweil and Peter Diamandis, two technology visionaries in their respected spaces, and to visit their campground for innovation has been the highlight of my trip to Silicon Valley.
For a background on those who might not exactly know what SU is and what is stands for: SU brings together undergraduate/graduate college students, startups, and technology executives to serve as a Silicon Valley think tank that addresses problems through educational programs and a business incubator. What makes SU stand out to me (aside from the fact that it’s located right in the middle of a giant NASA research center and a Federal airfield) is that they focus on empowering people to use exponential technologies to solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges and make a positive impact on the world.
Some examples include: a project to bring toilets and sanitation to a million people in third world countries, a company that makes 3D printers designed for space, and countless other inspiring initiatives. In a place where many entrepreneurs and investors are chasing the next billion dollar idea. Our tour guide summed up pretty well what SU chases: We’re not here for a billion dollar unicorn, we’re here for a billion people impact unicorn.
To me, that’s the kind of place that I want to be at. Hopefully, next year I can apply to their incubator with an idea to make a positive impact on the world. Currently they are looking for ideas in AI/robotics, digital biology/medicine, networking/computer systems, and digital fabrication/nanotechnology.
Doing something to help progress any of those fields would be an incredible opportunity, and SU is a unique place that can offer that. I want to thank UGA’s Society of Entrepreneurs in providing this experience to students looking to make, as Steve Jobs would put it, “a ding in the universe.”