In episode 187, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Viroshan Naicker, Co-Founder of Earthstream, an innovative startup that uses bioacoustics and sensor systems, powered by AI and blockchain, to "Listen to the Earth." Dr. Viroshan's journey spans blockchain innovation, tokenomics research, and climate tech, so he has so much wisdom to drop.

We explore:

1. How bioacoustics and blockchain are revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring and rewilding.
2. The role of AI and IoT sensors in creating real-time, actionable insights for regenerating ecosystems.
3. How Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and Regenerative Finance (ReFi) provide new tools to help build a healthier planet.

--Key Takeaways--

• Moving Beyond Carbon: Biodiversity as the New KPI - The shift from carbon as the primary key performance indicator to biodiversity offers a more comprehensive and holistic approach to measuring nature’s health, essential for effective rewilding and conservation efforts.
• Bioacoustics: Listening to the Earth - Bioacoustics has emerged as a powerful tool for measuring biodiversity by analyzing natural soundscapes. This innovative method enables real-time monitoring of ecosystem health, offering unprecedented insights into the state of nature.
• AI & Blockchain: Transforming Biodiversity Monitoring - AI and blockchain technologies power cutting-edge sensors capable of collecting diverse data—GPS, local weather, and acoustics. By storing this data on-chain and utilizing AI to analyze sounds, Earthstream is creating a transparent and efficient system to support ecosystem restoration.
• Web3: Financing Conservation and Regeneration - Web3 introduces innovative financing mechanisms to allocate resources to conservation and regeneration projects, shifting economies from solely value extraction to value preservation and restoration.

--Full shownotes with links available at--
https://www.cryptoaltruism.org/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-187-earthstream-giving-nature-a-voice-with-bioacoustics-blockchain-and-artificial-intelligence


Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at cryptoaltruism.org/supportus

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruism.org

In episode 186, we’re excited to welcome Sam Flanagan and Abeera Akhtar of Web3ForGood for a special 2024 year in review episode! We dive into the biggest trends of 2024, including breakthroughs in DeSci, experiments in public goods funding, and the rise of crypto-powered AI agents; along with bold predictions for 2025!

We discuss:

• The most exciting Web3 for Good developments of 2024, including AI x Crypto, DeSci, and stablecoins for good
• Heartwarming Web3 success stories that made a real-world impact
• Bold predictions and emerging trends for Web3 in 2025, from innovative funding experiments to the continued growth of the L2 ecosystem

--Key Takeaways--

• Crypto x AI - Pioneering Decentralized Fairness: 2024 saw experimentation with decentralized AI, using blockchain to create fair and transparent systems for training LLMs, providing compute power, and implementing guard rails. Looking ahead to 2025, we expect to see continued growth in this area, especially as it relates to of crypto-powered AI agents, paving the way for equitable AI ecosystems.
• Stablecoins - Transforming Onboarding and Inclusion: Stablecoins remained one of the most impactful blockchain tools in 2024, driving financial inclusion and enabling access to global financial systems. This use case will only grow stronger in 2025, continuing to onboard users in underbanked regions and expanding access worldwide.
• Innovations in Public Goods Funding: 2024 saw groundbreaking experiments in funding public goods, including retroactive grants, conviction voting, public goods lotteries, and even memecoins for good.
• DeSci Breaks into the Mainstream: Decentralized Science (DeSci) gained momentum in 2024, democratizing research and funding. In 2025, it’s poised to become a key player in global innovation.

--Full shownotes with links available at--
https://www.cryptoaltruism.org/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-186-2024-year-in-review-top-trends-of-2024-bold-predictions-for-2025-crypto-ai-desci-stablecoins-and-more



Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at cryptoaltruism.org/supportus

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruism.org.

For episode 185, we’re excited to welcome Calanthia Mei, Co-Founder of Masa, a decentralized AI network where individuals can earn by contributing their data. Calanthia is a visionary leader with a rich history in fintech, having scaled successful companies and driven blockchain innovation. In this episode, we explore Masa’s groundbreaking approach to democratizing AI through blockchain, and how it’s paving the way for a future of Fair AI powered by people.

We discuss:

• How blockchain can decentralize AI and empower Fair AI to create equitable opportunities for all,
• The growth of AI agents in crypto networks,
• Emerging trends to keep an eye on that are shaping the intersection of crypto and AI, and
• How you can join the Masa community and run your own node.

--Key Takeaways--

• The Four Stages of AI Agents - Calanthia made a bold prediction that AI agents will evolve through four key stages: from interactive JPGs to self-improving systems, utility-driven tools, and eventually a coordinated, competitive AI agent society. This progression highlights the transformative potential of AI in reshaping how we interact with technology and one another.
• Decentralizing AI for Fair and Inclusive Networks - Currently, AI development is dominated by big tech, limiting opportunities for smaller developers. Similarly, centralization in crypto could lead to inequality. Decentralizing AI through blockchain technologies can create fairer, safer, and more inclusive AI networks, ensuring opportunities for all stakeholders.
• AI Agents Solving Crypto’s UX Challenges - AI agents are inherently platform-agnostic, which positions them to address crypto's UI/UX complexity. These agents can navigate interfaces and processes, simplifying the user experience and unlocking the full potential of blockchain applications for a wider audience.

--Full shownotes with links available at--
https://www.cryptoaltruism.org/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-185-crypto-powered-ai-agents-and-fair-ai-through-decentralization


Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at cryptoaltruism.org/supportus

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruism.org