Afleveringen
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What if smart contracts could manage keys, secure assets, and run AI agents autonomously?
This week on The Index podcast —Host Alex Kehaya sits down with David Sneider, co-founder of Lit Protocol, to dive into decentralized key management, threshold cryptography, and the future of AI in Web3.
David shares his journey from building in the Bay Area tech scene to launching Lit Protocol, with stops along the way that include the acquisition of his SaaS startup by LinkedIn and working alongside crypto pioneer Chris Cassano. The two get into how threshold cryptography is powering the next wave of secure computation and enabling new use cases for AI and smart contracts.
You’ll hear how Lit is rethinking identity recovery and asset security through multi-party computation (MPC)—with real-world examples like the Fuse Wallet, where managing crypto feels more like using a banking app. Alex and David also explore how smart accounts, MPC, and AI agents are coming together to shape the next-gen developer stack.
Later in the episode, they look ahead to decentralized AI frameworks, the role of open-source models in avoiding centralized AI control, and why community-owned infrastructure matters.
If you’re building at the edge of crypto and AI, this one’s for you.
Website: https://www.litprotocol.com/Show Links
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What if launching your own Layer 1 blockchain was as fast and seamless as spinning up a cloud server? In this episode of The Index, Jin Kwon, Co-founder of Saga.xyz, shares how Saga is redefining how developers scale in Web3. Rather than relying on rollups or months of coordination, Saga lets you launch your own Layer 1 chain—called a chainlet—in just minutes.
Jin explains how his computer architecture and finance background helped shape Saga’s vision and why automation is key to building scalable blockchain infrastructure. He breaks down how Saga’s validator system works, how pricing is dynamically optimized through competition, and how chainlets come pre-integrated with bridges and liquidity—all with minimal developer effort.
The conversation also explores the future of application-level sharding, using Uniswap as a real-world example of how splitting liquidity across multiple chainlets could unlock massive throughput without compromising user experience.
If you’re a developer looking for faster, cheaper, and more modular ways to build in Web3, this episode is packed with insights into where blockchain infrastructure is headed.Connect with Jin Kwon and the Saga team:
Saga: https://www.saga.xyz/
Follow on X: https://x.com/sagaxyz__
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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How do we unlock the true potential of decentralized AI? In this episode of Everything Bagel, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Bidhan Roy dive into the powerful intersection of blockchain and AI, fresh from ETHDenver and the OpenAGI Summit.
Bidhan, founder of Bagel, shares insights from hosting a Builder’s Breakfast that exceeded all expectations, drawing triple the anticipated attendance. He unpacks how Bagel is tackling one of decentralized AI’s biggest challenges—verifiability—through innovations like ZK LoRa (Zero-Knowledge Low-Rank Adaptation).
The conversation explores why structured public data often holds more value than proprietary datasets and how Bagel enables contributors to monetize the process of transforming raw data into usable intelligence. Most importantly, Alex and Bidhan discuss a new paradigm where builders—not extractors—are at the heart of innovation, aligning open-source principles with financial sustainability.
Join the open intelligence movement and discover why hundreds of developers are already building on Bagel. Learn more at bagel.net.
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The Future of Finance: How Blockchain is Bringing Real-World Assets On-Chain
This week on The Index, Alex Kehaya joins Eli Cohen, General Counsel at Centrifuge, to break down how crypto is transforming traditional finance by bringing real-world assets (RWA) on-chain.
Eli’s blockchain journey began in 2017 at CME Group, where he helped launch Bitcoin futures, exposing him to the inefficiencies of legacy markets. Municipal bonds take ten days to settle. FX swaps carry days of currency risk. Mortgages still rely on paper. These bottlenecks lock up trillions—tokenization is the solution.
Centrifuge started with trade receivables for small businesses and has since scaled into institutional finance, launching a $40M US Treasury pool in 2023. The shift is clear: on-chain assets are going mainstream.
Regulation remains a battleground. Eli unpacks the SEC’s aggressive stance, the "chokepoint" banking restrictions, and why the post-election landscape could reshape global policy.
With BlackRock entering tokenized treasuries, the crypto-finance crossover is accelerating. This isn’t just digitization—it’s a full-scale reinvention of how assets move and who gets access.
Whether you're a crypto investor, builder, or just watching the space, this episode reveals why RWA tokenization is the next big thing.
Centrifuge: https://centrifuge.io/
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Can small, agile teams outpace massive, well-funded engineering orgs in AI and open-source innovation?
Co-hosts Alex Kehaya & Bidhan Roy, Founder of Bagel Network joins Greg Osuri, Founder of Akash Network, for a deep dive into the open-source AI stack, decentralization, and the engineering principles behind lean, high-impact teams.
Greg shares how Akash is revolutionizing cloud computing with decentralized infrastructure, the power of Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) for AI model validation, and why small, focused developer teams consistently outperform bloated, overfunded projects.
Key Dev Insights:
✅ Scaling open-source AI with decentralized computing
✅ ZKPs & AI security—why cryptographic proofs are the future of model validation
✅ Building with constraints—why limited funding fuels better engineering decisions
✅ Community-driven dev—how Akash leverages contributors for rapid iterationJoin us for an engineering-first discussion on the future of decentralized AI and why lean, open-source teams are leading the way.
Website: https://akash.network/
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What if internet memes were the new crypto luxury brand, driving financial speculation with the same fervor as high-end fashion?
This week on The Index, we take a deep dive into everything crypto with Ben Huh, the co-founder of Orange DAO. Ben offers a unique perspective on how meme coins like Bonk are not just digital jokes but significant players in the evolving participatory financial system. He discusses the speculative nature of these coins, which operate more on sentiment than tangible utility, and the critical role of community and brand affinity in anchoring their value.While meme coins are on the rise, launching a successful crypto project demands more than just a catchy name. It's a strategic dance through distribution channels and realistic market expectations. Ben sheds light on the careful planning behind token launches, stressing the importance of grounding them in stable valuations and widespread distribution rather than hype. He also shares insights on current trends, such as the minimal use of venture capital allocations in bootstrap companies and the psychological waves caused by token unlocks on platforms like Solana.
For those building the future of blockchain, choosing the right ecosystem is a make-or-break decision. Ben reveals the intricacies of selecting between Polkadot's high barriers and Solana's allure of accessibility. He also offers guidance for crypto founders pitching to investors, emphasizing the craft of compelling storytelling over the common reliance on credentials. The discussion touches upon the dynamic experience of accelerator programs, the art of succinct pitching during demo days, and the power of networking—essential tools for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.
Orange DAO:
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How can developers monetize open-source AI while preserving ownership and privacy?
In this episode of Everything Bagel, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Bidhan Roy, Founder of Bagel Network, dive into the revolutionary role of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in open-source AI monetization.
Bidhan shares how Bagel Network is transforming the AI landscape by enabling developers to earn from their contributions while maintaining full control and privacy. They discuss the game-changing breakthrough of ZK LoRa, a zero-knowledge proof system that slashes AI training verification times from weeks to under two seconds—paving the way for scalable, decentralized AI.
The conversation explores how community-driven ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) can evolve through modular AI models, making decentralized AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) more accessible and cost-effective. Plus, they unpack how The Bakery, Bagel’s latest product, empowers developers to stack AI components like LEGO bricks for greater scalability and efficiency.
🔥 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ How zero-knowledge proofs are reshaping AI ownership and monetization
✅ The impact of Bagel Network’s ZK LoRa verification system
✅ The rise of domain-specific ASI models and real-world applications
✅ How The Bakery fuels decentralized AI development at scale
✅ The potential for community-built AGI running on crypto rails🔗 Learn More & Join the Community:
🌐 Website: Bagel Network
🐦 Follow on X (Twitter): @BagelOpenAI
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What if building a blockchain was as easy as deploying a smart contract? On this episode of Everything SVM on The Index, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Omar Zaki, CEO of Mantis, sit down with Nick White, Vice President of Celestia Labs, to explore how modular blockchain architectures revolutionize scalability and innovation. Nick breaks down Celestia’s groundbreaking approach, which separates execution from consensus and data availability, providing developers with unprecedented flexibility. This paradigm shift is key to overcoming the bottlenecks that have long-constrained networks like Ethereum and Solana.
The conversation ventures into the rapidly evolving landscape of DeFi protocols and application-specific chains, where innovation is reshaping how developers build decentralized applications. With Solana’s high-speed block times pushing the limits of transaction efficiency, we examine how modular solutions like roll-ups could unlock even faster confirmations and tailored scalability. The AppChain thesis takes center stage as we explore Celestia-based projects that exemplifies the potential for customizable and private transactions.
They discuss the next evolution of blockchain development, where deploying roll-ups on Celestia might soon be more accessible than launching a smart contract. As we unpack the challenges of modular ecosystems and the solutions emerging to address them, we paint a vision of the ultimate end game for blockchain scalability—a future where modular chains provide unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and innovation.
Celestia: https://celestia.org/
Mantis: https://mantis.app/
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What if AI could break free from centralized silos and operate as a decentralized, collaborative network? In this episode of Everything Bagel on The Index, we sit down with Nick Emmons, CEO of Allora Labs, to explore how decentralized AI is reshaping market dynamics and redefining the way machine intelligence evolves.
Nick walks us through the core architecture of Allora, an AI-powered coordination layer optimized for digital assets. We discuss how Allora leverages decentralized learning mechanisms, allowing AI models to interact, validate, and refine their outputs collectively. This approach introduces a more adaptive and resilient system—one where models aren’t competing in isolation but instead contributing to a shared intelligence network.
Beyond the technical mechanics, we explore the broader implications of decentralized AI infrastructure, including its potential impact on media, finance, and beyond. Nick shares insights into Allora’s testnet evolution, its application within high-stakes financial environments, and the challenges of open-source AI monetization and licensing. As AI shifts toward more permissionless, composable, and decentralized frameworks, we examine whether this could be the foundation for AI as a public utility and how it aligns with the long-term vision of people-powered AGI.
For developers, builders, and crypto-native technologists, this episode of Everything Bagel on The Index is a deep dive into the next frontier of open-source AI. Tune in to explore the future of decentralized intelligence, blockchain-driven AI economics, and the evolving intersection of crypto and machine learning.
Bagel: https://www.bagel.net/
Allora: https://www.allora.network/
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Crypto has the potential to revolutionize finance—but how do we make it truly accessible? In this episode of The Index, we sit down with Ryne Saxe, CEO of Eco, to explore the future of payments, stablecoins, and the evolving role of blockchain in everyday transactions.
Ryne shares his journey from the traditional banking world to the fast-paced San Francisco crypto scene, where he saw an opportunity to build a better financial system. We dive into how Eco is tackling the complexities of crypto adoption, simplifying user experiences, and creating seamless payment solutions that benefit both users and merchants.
We also discuss the shift away from traditional credit card networks, the potential cost savings of stablecoins and Bitcoin, and the growing role of crypto wallets in mainstream adoption. From Ethereum rollups to Solana integration, Ryne breaks down the key innovations shaping the next era of Web3 payments.
Join us for an insightful conversation on the road ahead, the challenges still to be overcome, and why the future of finance might be closer than we think.
Website: https://eco.com/
Follow on X: https://x.com/eco
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What if artificial superintelligence (ASI) could be the ultimate equalizer, leveling the playing field for all? We're diving headfirst into this provocative territory by examining the transformative potential of open-source AI. Inspired by Mark Zuckerberg's recent conversation with Joe Rogan, we unravel the complexities of democratizing AI access and the role it plays in safeguarding against monopolistic control. The insights from Sam Altman about the imminent rise of artificial general intelligence (AGI) add fuel to our discussion, as we explore the risks and societal shifts these advancements might entail. With open-source platforms empowering both heroes and villains, is balance of power within our grasp?
Venturing beyond the tech giants, we spotlight underdog innovators like Mistral and DeepSeek, who are challenging the status quo with limited resources but boundless ambition. We tackle the intricate dance between corporate interests and open-source ideals, pondering how a sustainable revenue model could redefine community-driven innovation. As the specter of a technological singularity looms, the philosophical and ethical questions mount: what will a world transformed by ASI look like, and how will humanity redefine its role? Join us as we navigate this uncharted territory, contemplating the future where robots might eliminate labor shortages, and society reshapes itself around an AI-driven reality.
Website: https://www.bagel.net/
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Can decentralization truly revolutionize how we store data? In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya talks with Dmitriy Ryajov, Founder and Architect of the Codex Durability Engine at codex.storage, a leader in decentralized storage. Dmitry shares his inspiring journey from traditional software developer to trailblazer in the decentralized tech community. Discover how his early work with Ethereum and IPFS ignited his passion for peer-to-peer systems and open-source contributions.
We dive into the complexities of building decentralized storage systems, exploring established players like Filecoin and Arweave alongside emerging solutions like the Shadow Network on Solana. Dmitry tackles these challenges head-on with Codex.
For developers, privacy and security are paramount. We discuss data encryption methods, such as symmetric key encryption and data distribution, to safeguard against unauthorized access.
Learn how Codex is redefining the landscape of data storage and shaping the future of the internet. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the technical intricacies of decentralized systems.
Website: https://codex.storage/Show Links
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What does the future of finance look like built on Bitcoin? In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya talks with Jacob Phillips, co-founder of Lombard, a leading player in the liquid staking space. Jacob shares his unique journey from aspiring political debater to crypto entrepreneur, and how that unconventional path led him to the forefront of Bitcoin innovation.
We dive deep into the world of non-custodial protocols, focusing on Lombard's Squads protocol, which empowers businesses to operate confidently on-chain while sidestepping the limitations of traditional banking systems.
The conversation also explores Bitcoin's evolving role beyond a mere store of value, spotlighting fresh use cases and innovative opportunities for yield generation that are challenging the status quo. We examine the intersection of Bitcoin and the Solana ecosystem, focusing on groundbreaking platforms like Babylon and the potential of LBTC to unlock unprecedented flexibility for Bitcoin holders.
This is a must-listen for founders, developers, and anyone interested in the cutting-edge of Bitcoin and DeFi.
Lombard: https://www.lombard.finance/Show Links
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What does the future of agentic AI look like, and how close are we to building systems that truly mimic and enhance human reasoning? In this episode of Everything Bagel, Alex Kehaya joins Bidhan Roy, founder of Bagel, to explore the cutting edge of open-source AI and its transformative potential.
The conversation unpacks the concept of agentic AI—systems capable of reasoning, planning, and executing tasks with minimal human intervention—and the revolutionary infrastructure Bagel is building to enable collaborative development of open-source foundation models. Bidhan shares insights into groundbreaking AI research, including fine-tuning techniques, adapters, and cryptographic ownership models that empower developers and communities to monetize their AI contributions.
The episode also takes an in-depth look at large language models (LLMs): Do they genuinely understand the data they process, or are they merely "stochastic parrots" mimicking human reasoning? We delve into the mysterious "black box" nature of neural networks and the concerns surrounding AI models potentially feigning alignment with human goals.
From the challenges of reasoning in neural networks to the implications of quantum computing in AI development, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of AI and its significance for developers, researchers, and the future of innovation.
Tune in to discover how Bagel is shaping the next wave of decentralized, community-driven AI.
The future of monetizable open-source AI begins now.
Bagel: https://blog.bagel.net/
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What is the Future of Open Source? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehya sits down with his business partner, Brian Fox, Co-founder of ABK Labs and the original author of the GNU Bash Shell. Brian, a pioneering figure in the open-source movement, offers valuable insights into its evolution from academic roots to its profound impact on modern technology, including the crypto and blockchain space.
Brian discusses the critical role of community and collaboration, exploring how open-source principles have driven innovation in fields like AI. He provides a unique perspective on the future of technology, discussing how AI can not only automate tasks but also empower individuals and accelerate progress.
This conversation provides a valuable framework for understanding the enduring power of open source and its potential to shape the future of our digital world. We explore how open-source culture, with its ethos of community-driven progress, has shaped projects like Solana and continues to inspire new technological advancements within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. Drawing parallels with the evolution of Linux, we imagine a world where AI not only automates tasks but also frees us to pursue personal and global aspirations.
This episode celebrates open source as a catalyst for innovation, embodying the spirit of collaboration and the shared endeavor to build a brighter technological future.
ABK Labs: https://abklabs.com/
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Can Blockchain Truly Revolutionize Telecommunications?
In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya chats with Coco Tang, General Manager of Helium Mobile, about how blockchain is transforming the telecom industry. From Helium’s origins as an IoT network to its ambitious leap into mobile, Coco dives into the challenges, milestones, and practical blockchain applications.
Helium Mobile stands out as the world’s first crypto carrier built on Solana, a high-performance blockchain. After migrating to Solana in April 2023, the Helium Network became faster, more affordable, and more stable. Solana now powers Helium Mobile’s token storage, demonstrating how blockchain can redefine connectivity.
As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Helium Mobile blends its decentralized network with T-Mobile’s infrastructure. This unique model allows users to earn tokens and even offset their phone bills—a game-changer in telecom.
Tune in to hear how Helium Mobile is disrupting the telecom landscape with its community-driven approach, proving that blockchain technology can empower individuals and redefine the way we stay connected.
Helium Mobile: https://hellohelium.com/Show Links
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Have you ever considered how many frontier models could exist if open source AI was monetizable? This is the core problem that Bagel solves, and co-founder Bidhan Roy is creating a way to make open source AI monetizable. In this episode of Everything Bagel, Alex Kehaya, and Bidhan dive into this groundbreaking vision and discuss a recent blog article highlighting innovative research from the Bagel team.
Founders and developers will gain insight into a significant breakthrough in verifiable inference spearheaded by Bagel. The episode details how verification times were reduced from 200 hours to just a minute through advanced fingerprinting and watermarking technologies—a decentralized AI model management milestone.
The discussion also navigates the trade-offs between scalability and accuracy, comparing probabilistic and deterministic systems. For developers working in fields like high-frequency trading or any area reliant on precision, understanding these trade-offs is crucial.
They explore the challenges of monetizing open-source AI, the role of verifiable inference, and how Bagel is building economic incentives to empower developers. Bidhan shares insights into the open-source community's potential to rival closed AI labs and explains how Bagel is shaping the future of decentralized AI networks.
Tune in to learn how Bagel’s work transforms the open-source AI landscape and drives innovation forward.
Bagel website: https://www.bagel.net/Show Links
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What if open-source AI Could Be Both Powerful and Profitable?
In the first episode of Everything Bagel, Alex Kehaya sits down with Bidhan Roy, Founder & CEO of Bagel, a groundbreaking AI & Cryptography Research Lab that's making open-source AI monetizable.
Bidhan discusses how Bagel's innovative AI model architecture empowers anyone to contribute to open-source AI development while ensuring fair compensation for their work. Utilizing novel cryptographic techniques, Bagel's fine-tuning technology records the evolution of open-source AI models—tracking every contribution and rewarding every creator automatically.
By leveraging cryptography, Bagel addresses the current imbalance in AI development dominated by tech giants. The company is creating a new economic framework that incentivizes collaboration and fosters a thriving, decentralized AI ecosystem.
Enjoyed the conversation? Like and subscribe for the latest insights on AI & cryptography, and join the Bagel community to be part of the open-source AI revolution!
The future of monetizable open-source AI begins now.
Bagel: https://blog.bagel.net/
X: https://x.com/BagelOpenAIShow Links
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What if you could move assets seamlessly across multiple chains while prioritizing security and decentralization?
This week on The Index, we join Omar Zaki, CEO of Mantis, for a deep dive into how trust-minimized transactions are reshaping blockchain interactions. This conversation explores how Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) and zero-knowledge (zk) technology are driving the future of interoperable, secure, and efficient blockchain ecosystems.
Omar walks us through the collaborative ethos driving innovation within the SVM ecosystem and the open-source development that supports it. Looking ahead, we also explore the intersection of cryptocurrency, AI, and the self-custody revolution, touching on the growing interest in meme coins like GOAT and the potential for virtual marketplaces for AI agents to flourish.
This episode highlights the potential of crypto off-ramps, such as Bridge and FuseWallet, to transform small business operations through seamless transactions and reduced fees. As we explore these advancements, we are reminded of the exciting opportunities they present for earning yield and promoting crypto adoption in everyday business practices.
Mantis: https://x.com/mantisShow Links
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What if your watch could predict your next illness before you even felt sick?
This week on The Index, we welcome Jeffrey Schneider, former Program Manager at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), to discuss the future of wearable technology in defense and healthcare.
Discover how a project originally designed to detect chemical threats evolved into a critical health monitoring tool, capable of predicting illnesses days before symptoms appear. Powered by AI and machine learning, this innovation underscores the game-changing possibilities of data-driven healthcare in both military and civilian contexts.
Jeffrey highlights the role of rapid prototyping and public-private partnerships in adapting commercial technologies for military applications. He also addresses the challenges of securing sensitive health data using advanced solutions like zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption.
The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of wearable technology and its implications for public health. Jeffrey’s insights illustrate how defense innovations can drive advancements in healthcare, showcasing the transformative impact of cross-sector collaboration.
Learn more about the Defense Innovation Unit: https://www.diu.mil/
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