Creating Real Value in a Virtual world with Alec Lazarescu - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP27
In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse podcast, I had a chat with Alec Lazarescu, the Vice President of Software Engineering at Savvas Learning Company. He also founded VerseTech Metaverse, an educational organization committed to growing conversations and thought leadership on applying emerging technologies, including AI, XR, VR, and AR, as well as blockchain, to the evolving concept of the metaverse. In addition, he runs the largest AI, chatbot, and voice community in New York City.
Alec has expertise in defining and executing the technical strategy and architecture for innovative solutions leveraging the latest in NLP research, voice, machine learning frameworks, and distributed cloud infrastructure best practices. A hands-on leader focused on working alongside C-level executives and founders from enterprise companies, SMBs, and startups to bring products from concept to market while building and empowering high-performing engineering teams.
Tune in to our conversation as we discuss the role of blockchain in the metaverse, the danger of the metaverse, and the role of digital fashion in the immersive internet. Enjoy!
Highlights
- [01:14] - Working at the convergence of blockchain, AI, XR, VR, and AR.
- [02:42] - Facilitating identity and reputation for the immersive internet.
- [04:52] - Metaverse success advice for brands.
- [06:11] - The power of the enterprise metaverse and how governments can use it.
- [08:36] - Digital real estate and the artificial scarcity being created.
- [09:40] - Why user-generated content and creativity are important for the metaverse.
- [11:47] - Digital fashion’s role in making the metaverse a reality.
- [13:11] - How to create a rich and vibrant metaverse economy.
- [14:53] - Ethical challenges we might have to grapple with in the metaverse.
- [17:08] - Blockchain’s role over and above ensuring proof of ownership.
- [19:24] - An overview of the future of the metaverse.
Quotes
“Pseudonymous identities are important and can give us what people are looking for in terms of having reputed experiences, building trust and reputation” - Alec Lazarescu
“Not everything needs to be some curated experience” - Alec Lazarescu
“If we want to be fully decentralized, the code has to be running on the blockchain and not just the trivial smart contract code we have today” - Alec Lazarescu
Learn More About Alec Lazarescu in the Links Below:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleclazarescu/
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/alec1a
- Website - https://www.botsandai.com/
Dr Mark van Rijmenam
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a strategic futurist known as The Digital Speaker. He stands at the forefront of the digital age and lives and breathes cutting-edge technologies to inspire Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide. As an optimistic dystopian, he has a deep understanding of AI, blockchain, the metaverse, and other emerging technologies, and he blends academic rigour with technological innovation.
His pioneering efforts include the world’s first TEDx Talk in VR in 2020. In 2023, he further pushed boundaries when he delivered a TEDx talk in Athens with his digital twin , delving into the complex interplay of AI and our perception of reality. In 2024, he launched a digital twin of himself offering interactive, on-demand conversations via text, audio or video in 29 languages, thereby bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds – another world’s first.
As a distinguished 5-time author and corporate educator, Dr Van Rijmenam is celebrated for his candid, independent, and balanced insights. He is also the founder of Futurwise , which focuses on elevating global digital awareness for a responsible and thriving digital future.
