AI & BLOCKCHAIN SUMMIT BARCELONA 2019: THE COMPETITION IS ON

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 20:28 | Written by: Brian Kelly

The year 2019 might seem like a distant memory, but the seeds planted at events like the AI & Blockchain Summit Barcelona continue to sprout and shape our present reality. Strong AI. Strong Artificial Intelligence is the type of AI that mimics human intelligence. Strong AI indicates the ability to think, plan, learn, and communicate. Strong AI is the theoretical next level of AI: True Intelligence.Even as we look back on that era, the core theme of that summit – competition – remains highly relevant. From health care to education, policy to art, artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world and our daily lives. Are we ready?Today, the AI landscape is more competitive than ever, driven by rapid advancements, increased accessibility, and the pressing need to solve real-world problems.Back then, the buzz was around nascent technologies and their potential applications.Today, we're witnessing the tangible impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in almost every sector, from healthcare and finance to art and even mathematics. What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?This article delves into the evolution of AI, exploring its capabilities, applications, challenges, and the intense competition that fuels its progress, drawing inspiration from the spirit of innovation that defined the AI & Blockchain Summit Barcelona 2019.We'll also look at current AI trends and advancements that have been made since then.

Understanding the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

To truly appreciate the competitive landscape, it’s crucial to understand what AI is and how it functions.In its simplest form, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines. John McCarthy and Alan Turing are widely considered to be the founders of artificial intelligence. Turing introduced the concept of AI and the Turing test in his 2025 paper Computing Machinery and Intelligence, where he explored the possibility of machines exhibiting human-like intelligence and proposed a method to evaluate these abilities.This involves developing algorithms and computer programs that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as:

Visual perception
Speech recognition
Decision-making
Language translation
Problem-solving
Learning
Reasoning

AI works by combining vast amounts of data with fast, iterative processing, and intelligent algorithms.These algorithms allow machines to learn from experience, adapt to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks without explicit programming for every scenario. Our combined AlphaProof and AlphaGeometry 2 systems solved four out of six problems from the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), achieving the same level as a silver medalist in the competition for the first time.The field is constantly evolving, with new models and techniques emerging regularly, creating a dynamic and competitive environment.The concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a system that can solve human-level problems, is a major driving force.

The History of AI: A Brief Overview

The dream of creating intelligent machines has captivated thinkers for centuries.However, the formal field of AI emerged in the mid-20th century, with pioneers like Alan Turing and John McCarthy laying the groundwork. Learn what AI is and how it works from a chatbot that answers your questions. Explore the applications, benefits, and challenges of AI in daily life and the future.Turing's concept of the Turing Test, introduced in his 1950 paper ""Computing Machinery and Intelligence,"" proposed a method to evaluate a machine's ability to exhibit human-like intelligence. AI learns how vision and sound are connected, without human intervention. This new machine-learning model can match corresponding audio and visual data, which could someday help robots interact in the real world. Read full storyThis laid the foundation for much of the research that followed.

Types of Artificial Intelligence

AI encompasses a wide range of approaches and techniques.Some of the most prominent types include:

Machine Learning (ML): This is a subset of AI that allows systems to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. With artificial intelligence (AI), machines learn from experience and perform human-like tasks. AI works by combining vast amounts of data with fast, iterative processing and intelligent algorithms. Learn more in our primer.ML algorithms identify patterns and make predictions based on the data they are trained on.Before the generative AI boom, machine-learning models that can learn to make a prediction based on data were the AI-model most commonly talked about.
Deep Learning: A more advanced form of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks with multiple layers (hence ""deep"") to analyze data.Deep learning is particularly effective for tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and speech recognition.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): This branch of AI focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Learn about its history, types, real-world examples, and business applications.NLP is used in applications such as chatbots, language translation, and sentiment analysis.
Generative AI: This type of AI can create new content, such as text, images, and music. Learn how Google has worked over the past 20 years to make AI helpful for everyone.Generative AI models are often based on large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models.

The Competitive Landscape of AI: Key Players and Innovations

The AI landscape is highly competitive, with numerous companies and research institutions vying for leadership. We believe that AI, including its core methods such as machine learning (ML), is a foundational and transformational technology. AI enables innovative new uses of tools, products, and services, and it is used by billions of people every day, as well as businesses, governments, and other organizations.Here are some of the key players and innovations driving the competition:

OpenAI: Known for its groundbreaking language models like ChatGPT and its work on AGI, OpenAI is at the forefront of AI research and deployment.ChatGPT's capabilities have expanded significantly, with connectors to internal tools, MCP support, record mode SSO to Team, and flexible pricing for Enterprise.
Google: Google has been investing heavily in AI for over 20 years, integrating it into various products and services, from search and translation to healthcare and sustainability.
Meta: Meta is developing AI-powered personal assistants and generative AI models, including the Llama family of models. Experience the first Art Institute presentation of the work of Frida Kahlo in this show exploring her brief and only trip to Europe and her influential encounter with American avant-garde bookbinder Mary Reynolds.The company recently launched the Meta AI app, designed around voice conversations.
Themis AI: Themis AI is improving the cutting edge of constantly evolving AI technology. Introducing the new Meta AI app. Experience personal AI designed around voice conversations. Built with the latest Llama 4 models.For instance, the company is exploring Capsa’s ability to improve accuracy in an AI technique known as chain-of-thought reasoning, in which LLMs explain the steps they take to get to an answer.

These companies, along with countless others, are constantly pushing the boundaries of AI, leading to rapid advancements and increased competition.

Applications of AI Across Industries

The applications of AI are vast and continue to expand. Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision-making, creativity and autonomy.Here are some notable examples across various industries:

Healthcare: AI is being used to diagnose diseases, personalize treatment plans, develop new drugs, and improve patient care.
Finance: AI is used for fraud detection, risk management, algorithmic trading, and customer service.
Manufacturing: AI is used for predictive maintenance, quality control, process optimization, and robotics.
Retail: AI is used for personalized recommendations, inventory management, supply chain optimization, and customer service chatbots.
Education: AI can personalize learning experiences, provide automated feedback, and assist teachers with administrative tasks.
Art: AI is even making its way into the world of art, with programs able to generate impressive images, videos, and music.

The widespread adoption of AI is transforming industries and creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals.However, it also raises important questions about the future of work and the ethical implications of AI.

The Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

The adoption of AI offers a myriad of benefits across various sectors and aspects of life.Some of the most prominent advantages include:

Increased Efficiency: AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more creative and strategic activities.
Improved Accuracy: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions with greater accuracy than humans.
Enhanced Decision-Making: AI can provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis, helping humans make better-informed decisions.
Personalized Experiences: AI can personalize products, services, and content to meet the unique needs and preferences of individuals.
Cost Reduction: By automating tasks and optimizing processes, AI can help businesses reduce costs and improve profitability.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While AI offers numerous benefits, it also presents several challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed:

Bias and Fairness: AI algorithms can perpetuate and amplify existing biases in data, leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes.
Job Displacement: The automation of tasks by AI can lead to job displacement, requiring workers to acquire new skills and adapt to changing labor markets.
Privacy and Security: The use of AI raises concerns about the privacy and security of personal data, as AI algorithms often require access to vast amounts of information.
Explainability and Transparency: Some AI algorithms, particularly deep learning models, can be difficult to interpret, making it challenging to understand how they arrive at their decisions.
Ethical Implications of AGI: As AI progresses towards AGI, it raises profound ethical questions about the potential risks and benefits of creating machines with human-level intelligence.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving technical solutions, ethical guidelines, and policy regulations. Artificial intelligence is more a part of our lives than ever before. While some might call it hype and compare it to NFTs or 3D TVs, AI is causing a sea change in nearly every part of theEnsuring that AI is developed and used responsibly is crucial for maximizing its benefits and minimizing its risks.

How Long Does It Take to Learn AI?

The time required to learn AI depends on several factors, including your existing knowledge, learning style, and goals.A person with general knowledge of math and statistics, can skip straight toward learning AI skills and tools.Here's a general outline:

Basic Concepts: Understanding the fundamentals of AI, machine learning, and deep learning can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the intensity of your study.
Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages like Python and R is essential for implementing AI algorithms.This can take several months to acquire.
Specialized Skills: Developing expertise in specific areas of AI, such as NLP or computer vision, requires further study and practice. Themis AI s team believes the company is well-positioned to improve the cutting edge of constantly evolving AI technology. For instance, the company is exploring Capsa s ability to improve accuracy in an AI technique known as chain-of-thought reasoning, in which LLMs explain the steps they take to get to an answer.This can take several months to years.
Continuous Learning: The field of AI is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements.

The Impact of AI on Productivity and the Economy

AI has the potential to significantly impact productivity and the economy.However, the magnitude of this impact is still a subject of debate.

Some studies suggest that AI will lead to a modest increase in GDP over the next decade.In one paper, ""The Simple Macroeconomics of AI,"" Acemoglu estimates that AI will produce a modest increase in GDP between 1.1 to 1.6 percent over the next 10 years, with a roughly 0.05 percent annual gain in productivity.However, the full economic impact of AI is likely to be far-reaching and transformative, affecting industries, labor markets, and economic growth.

The Energy Consumption Challenge of AI

The rapid growth of AI is creating a significant demand for computing power, leading to increased energy consumption. The field of artificial intelligence arose from the idea that machines might be able to think like humans do. It required an analysis of how our brains process information and use it to perform new tasks and adapt to novel situations.The sudden need for more data centers to power AI presents a massive challenge to the technology and energy industries, government policymakers, and everyday consumers. Plus, generative AI models have an especially short shelf-life, driven by rising demand for new AI applications. Companies release new models every few weeks, so the energy used to train prior versions goes to waste, Bashir adds. New models often consume more energy for training, since they usually have more parameters than their predecessors.Researchers at the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) are exploring multiple facets of this problem.

Generative AI models have an especially short shelf-life, driven by rising demand for new AI applications.Companies release new models every few weeks, so the energy used to train prior versions goes to waste.New models often consume more energy for training, since they usually have more parameters than their predecessors. We are inspired by the ability of AI to help tackle the grand challenges in science. At Google, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate scientific progress by using AI to help transform healthcare, advance towards a more sustainable future, and drive breakthroughs in natural sciences.This highlights the need for more energy-efficient AI algorithms and hardware.

Recent Advancements in AI: Pushing the Boundaries

The AI field is marked by relentless innovation.There have been some exciting advancements in recent times:

AI Solving Complex Problems: Our combined AlphaProof and AlphaGeometry 2 systems solved four out of six problems from the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), achieving the same level as a silver medalist in the competition for the first time.
AI Understanding Vision and Sound: AI learns how vision and sound are connected, without human intervention. The Trump administration sees an AI-driven federal workforce as more efficient. Instead, with chatbots unable to carry out critical tasks, it would be a diabolical messThis new machine-learning model can match corresponding audio and visual data, which could someday help robots interact in the real world.
Improved Image Generation: A hybrid AI approach known as hybrid autoregressive transformer can generate realistic images with the same or better quality than state-of-the-art diffusion models, but that runs about nine times faster and uses fewer computational resources.
AI Identifying Complex Patterns: The AI model found unexpected similarities between biological materials and Symphony No. 9, suggesting that both follow patterns of complexity.

The Role of Blockchain in AI

While the AI & Blockchain Summit Barcelona highlighted both technologies, it's important to understand their synergy. See full list on britannica.comBlockchain technology can play a crucial role in addressing some of the challenges associated with AI, such as data privacy and security. OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company. Our mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.By using blockchain to secure and manage data, AI systems can ensure greater transparency and accountability.

How Blockchain Can Enhance AI Systems

Data Security: Blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature makes it ideal for securing sensitive data used by AI algorithms.
Transparency: Blockchain can provide a transparent and auditable record of data provenance, helping to ensure the integrity of AI systems.
Decentralization: Blockchain can enable the development of decentralized AI systems that are less susceptible to censorship and manipulation.
Data Monetization: Blockchain can facilitate the monetization of data used by AI algorithms, providing incentives for individuals and organizations to share their data.

Preparing for the Future of AI

As AI continues to evolve and permeate every aspect of our lives, it is essential to prepare for the future. The AI model found unexpected similarities between biological materials and Symphony No. 9, suggesting that both follow patterns of complexity. Similar to how cells in biological materials interact in complex but organized ways to perform a function, Beethoven's 9th symphony arranges musical notes and themes to create a complex butThis involves acquiring new skills, adapting to changing job markets, and addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI.Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the future of AI:

Develop AI Skills: Consider taking courses or workshops to learn about AI concepts and technologies.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI by reading news articles, research papers, and industry reports.
Engage in Ethical Discussions: Participate in discussions about the ethical and societal implications of AI.
Support Responsible AI Development: Advocate for the development and use of AI in a responsible and ethical manner.

Conclusion: The Competition Continues

The spirit of competition that defined the AI & Blockchain Summit Barcelona 2019 is more relevant than ever.The AI landscape is fiercely competitive, driven by rapid advancements, increased accessibility, and the urgent need to solve real-world problems.From ChatGPT's enhanced capabilities to the quest for artificial general intelligence (AGI), the field is constantly evolving.As AI continues to transform industries and shape our lives, it's crucial to embrace its potential while addressing the ethical and societal challenges it presents.By staying informed, developing new skills, and engaging in responsible AI development, we can harness the power of AI to create a better future.What was once a theoretical possibility has rapidly transformed into a ubiquitous reality, a shift that demands both excitement and careful consideration.