Tech Can't Save Us

Zareen Ali, CEO and Co-Founder of Cogs AI, aims to redefine mental wellbeing support for the neurodiverse community, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with neurodiversity. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences, and embracing it can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and productivity in the workplace. However, societal and workplace structures...

Blockchain technology's decentralised nature offers transformative potential for international aid, yet adoption is hindered by trust, security, complexity, and regulatory challenges. Examples like UkraineDAO and UNHCR's use of blockchain in Ukraine highlight Web3's growing role in humanitarian efforts, despite concerns over the tech sector's profit motives and risks to vulnerable communities. How...

In 2023, the UK's venture capital landscape showcased significant trends, aligning in some aspects with the US and diverging notably from European counterparts, particularly in government support for startups.  As the panel delves into predictions for 2024, they anticipate shifts in investment focus, influenced by the preceding year's outcomes and the broader economic environment. How will these t...

Tech can't always save us, but when it comes to supporting neurodivergent individuals, apps like Tiimo are making a real difference. From aiding neurodivergent teens to empowering them in society, Tiimo's journey from a startup to a globally recognized planner app highlights the evolving role of technology in inclusivity. But what about the broader landscape, especially in education where resource...

The intersection of veganism and technology reveals fascinating innovations and challenges. Tech aids in vegan diets through apps for finding plant-based restaurants and deciphering food labels, alongside the revolutionary introduction of 3D-printed meats. However, technology also highlights environmental concerns in veganism, like the high water usage and carbon footprint of avocados, yet offers...

Technological innovations are reshaping the housing landscape, addressing affordability and sustainability. Innovative companies like Hometap and OptiFunder are revolutionizing property accessibility, offering creative financing solutions. Surprisingly, advancements in sustainable construction, like 3D concrete printing and BIM software, are not only making housing more eco-friendly but also more...

2023 witnessed a significant decline in tech funding, especially in FinTech, and a disillusionment with hyped sectors like NFTs and the metaverse. Despite these setbacks, AI, particularly OpenAI's ChatGPT, surged, marking a mainstream embrace of AI in business and personal spheres. What implications might these shifts have for the tech landscape in 2024? Paul and Will discuss the tech trends of 20...

Christmas ads in 2023 have pushed the envelope, blending emotional storytelling with advanced technology. From PETA's provocative animation urging veganism, to John Lewis's quirky 'Snapper' and Amazon's nostalgic 'Joy Ride', each ad uses tech to resonate with viewers in different ways. Paul and Will explore the tech behind the top festive ads of 2023. 

Black Friday, a symbol of consumerism, ironically follows Thanksgiving, a day of gratitude. In 2022, global businesses made a staggering $65.3 billion during Black Friday sales. This shopping frenzy has serious environmental repercussions: Black Friday 2021 in the UK alone was expected to emit greenhouse gases equivalent to the weight of 3679 blue whales. Is the allure of discounts worth the envir...

After a 118-day strike, Hollywood actors have reached an agreement, marking the end of a historic work stoppage. There were concerns about AI undermining the roles of writers and actors, and addressing this was central to the agreement. The US government is now looking to tackle AI's risks, prompting debates on enforcement mechanisms. As AI embeds deeper into creative sectors, many questions arise...

The downfall of WeWork, X and other businesses is a tale of ambition clashing with reality. As leaders like Neumann and Musk navigated controversial leadership styles and aggressive expansion, their companies' vulnerabilities surfaced, culminating in financial and reputational damage.  How will these events shape future leadership in the tech industry? Paul, Will, and Rebecca dive into these quest...

The cryptocurrency world is still recovering from the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, painting a bleak image of the FTX founder. Meanwhile, X transforms under Elon Musk's guidance, sparking a scattered mix of praise and scrutiny. How has this tech titan's leadership influenced the social media giant? As debates about X and FTX rage on, the everyday human watches in ironic amusement. Paul, Will, and Rebec...

Brands face immense pressure when their data is compromised. While some react promptly to assure consumers, others grapple with public relations nightmares. Can ethical hacking be the silver lining in the murky world of cyber threats? What if brands collaborated with these white hats? Will, Rebecca, and Savena discuss the varied responses of brands to hacks in this episode of Tech Can't Save Us.​​...

Digital scent technology is making waves with an impressive expected Compound Annual Growth Rate of approximately 9% from 2021 to 2027 fueled by the rise of smart devices and advancements in the tech world. Yet, it remains to be seen if this is a tangible tech marvel or just a passing trend. Can we truly digitize our olfactory experiences? Paul and Rebecca discuss the burgeoning world of smell-bas...

Voice search is revolutionizing brand interaction. AI-driven chatbots, like ChatGPT, are now chattier than ever, responding vocally in real-time. Imagine a world where your device understands not just words, but emotions. Still, what if there's more to communication than just voice? Paul, Will, Rebecca, and Savena discuss the cutting-edge blend of AI and voice search in this episode of Tech Can't...

Climate tech is radically transforming green infrastructure and sustainable urban spaces, extending from agriculture supply chains to monitoring digital carbon footprints. Yet, with its expansive scope, does climate tech truly promise a greener future? Last week marked the launch of a notable global climate tech venture studio, underlining the growing significance of climate tech. But questions ar...

September brings a mix of insights and noteworthy happenings in the tech world. From the intriguing world of B2B SaaS sales to the hefty fine faced by TikTok for breaching EU data laws, the month has been bustling with activity. Surprisingly, Babylon Health, a once-prominent name in digital health, has gone bust. What insights do these events provide into the evolving tech landscape? Alternative p...

The digital lifestyle has subtle implications for our mental well-being—and not all of it is negative. Studies show that online therapy, for instance, can be just as effective as its in-person counterpart. Consider the duality: technology both challenges and aids mental health. The hosts of Tech Can’t Save Us discuss the intricate relationship between technology and mental health and invite Ashlei...

The evolution of technology has turbocharged user experiences. Yet, not all that glitters in the tech world ensures a satisfying UX. As AI and personalisation become game-changers, how do they influence the digital landscape? Paul, Will, and Savena discuss the dynamics of user experience and call on insights from experts Dan Hyde and Alex Blondin, co-founders of Everything Is User Experience in th...

Digital payments have undergone transformational changes over the years. While they offer unmatched convenience, concerns about security persist. Could the rise of cryptocurrencies herald another major shift? What societal impacts can we anticipate from these trends? Paul, Rebecca, and Savena discuss the evolution and future of Digital Payments in this episode of Tech Can't Save Us.

August saw the rollout of the UK's Online Safety Bill, sparking debate and concern among tech giants. Meanwhile, the space race heated up with India's Vikram Lander aiming for the moon, shadowed by Russia's Luna-25 mishap. Could the cosmos be the next tech battleground? As regulatory challenges mount on Earth, might tech leaders look to the stars? Paul, Rebecca, and Savena discuss the interplay of...

Bootstrapping and VC funding offer unique growth paths for businesses. While bootstrapping celebrates autonomy, VC funding boasts rapid scaling opportunities. What factors dictate the ideal choice for B2B startups? Economic conditions and evolving VC trends suggest alternatives. Paul, Rebecca, and Savena discuss the intricacies of bootstrapping versus VC funding in this Tech Can't Save Us episode....

In 2010, high-frequency algorithms helped trigger a severe market crash, vaporizing roughly $1 trillion in a matter of minutes. Today, the volatility associated with the stock market has inspired banks such as JPMorgan to use machine-learning applications in some of their buy-side trading strategies. What is the role of automation in the world of wealth and investment management, and how is the ri...

Gone are the days when Food Tech was an unfamiliar subject introduced to you in high school. Today, UK adults judge a restaurant by its presence on social media, the number of robots in the European food tech industry is well over 30,000, and over 50% of Brits call food delivery an essential part of their lives. How has technology integrated with food over the years, and what are the consequences...

It’s been a fascinating four weeks for tech nerds—from the launch (and decline?) of “twitter-buster” Threads, to Twitter’s own CEO sunsetting the bird in favor of “X”, we’ve had a month that’s practically begging for a review. That, combined with the recently celebrated ‘Fintech Day’ (1 August), makes the foundation of this week’s pod—with your resident humans Paul, Will, and Rebecca.