Key Takeaways
- Jacob Steeves has a BASc in Mathematics and Computer Science from Simon Fraser University and has worked at Knowm Inc. and Google.
- In 2016, Steeves co-founded Bittensor, a decentralized network to make machine learning models more accessible.
- Bittensor’s setup lets the community help shape decisions, keeping AI open and limiting big tech’s control.
Who Is Jacob Robert Steeves?
Jacob Robert Steeves, based in Peru, is the Co-founder of Bittensor, an open-source protocol supporting a decentralized machine-learning network built on blockchain technology. He pursued his studies at Simon Fraser University, earning a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Mathematics and Computer Science between 2011 and 2015.
Early Career and Work Experience
Jacob Steeves started his career as a Machine Learning Researcher at Knowm Inc. from 2015 to 2016, working on adaptive computing and artificial intelligence. He then joined Google as a Software Engineer from December 2016 to April 2018. At Google, he gained experience in building large systems, software development, and decentralized technology, which later influenced his work on Bittensor.
Founding Bittensor
In 2016, Steeves co-founded Bittensor, a decentralized network that allows access to machine learning models. Unlike traditional AI platforms run by big companies, Bittensor follows Bitcoin’s approach to keep AI open, clear, and hard to control. The network lets developers, researchers, and users work together without depending on one central group.
Blockchain-Powered AI Infrastructure
Bittensor uses blockchain to create a decentralized AI network where people can join and earn rewards. It supports open participation, shared decision-making, and global computing power. By using blockchain rules for AI, Bittensor creates a system where machine learning models keep improving and stay available to everyone.
The Role of the TAO Token
Bittensor runs on TAO, its own cryptocurrency, which rewards people for helping improve AI. Developers and node operators earn TAO for their work and computing power. TAO also lets users access AI insights, take part in decisions, stake tokens, and pay for AI services in the Bittensor network.
Decentralized AI Governance and Accessibility
Bittensor lets its users help shape rules and development instead of one group being in control. This keeps AI improvements community-driven. By focusing on open access and teamwork, Bittensor works to make AI available to everyone, reducing dependence on big companies.
The Architecture of Bittensor
Bittensor is built to support a decentralized AI network using blockchain. It connects AI models so they can work together efficiently. The system has miners, who provide AI models, and validators, who check their performance. This setup keeps the network competitive and always improving while ensuring it stays open and free from control.
AI Fairness and Big Tech Control
In an episode of Towards Data Science, machine learning researchers Ala Shaabana and Jacob Steeves talk about the challenges of creating fair ways to measure and reward AI research. They explain how current systems don’t always give proper credit and discuss how a few big companies control powerful AI, making it harder for others to access and innovate.
The Challenge to Centralized AI Providers
Bittensor’s decentralized system is different from AI platforms run by big tech companies. Providing an open-source option helps prevent AI knowledge from being controlled by a few. This could change how AI is managed and shared in the future.
The Future of AI in Decentralized Networks
As AI grows, Bittensor offers a new way to manage machine learning through a decentralized network. Gathering intelligence from people worldwide could lead to big improvements in AI training, research, and use. Bittensor’s impact could go beyond Web3, shaping areas like finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
Final Thoughts
Jacob Robert Steeves is helping make AI more open with Bittensor. His background in math, computer science, and machine learning, along with his time at Google, helped shape his idea for a decentralized AI network. Bittensor allows people to work together on AI without big tech controlling it. Using blockchain makes AI more open and fair. As AI grows, Bittensor’s approach could change how AI is built and used, making it easier for everyone to participate.
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