Why Ignore the Confusion?
"The world appearance is a confusion: even as the blueness of the sky is an optical illusion. I think it is better not to let the mind dwell on it, but to ignore it."
—Vasistha from Yoga-Vasistha
Welcome to a space dedicated to exploring parallel frontiers—the emerging technologies, musical traditions, and innovations that are quietly reshaping our world. These frontiers span everything from climate tech and healthcare breakthroughs to the rhythmic pulse of West African diasporic music.
Embracing the Inevitable
We live in an age where Western society is hell-bent on developing the next breakthrough, on understanding every facet of life and death. The toothpaste is out of the tube—there's no going back. Rather than fighting this relentless march of innovation, I believe in embracing it. Autonomous vehicles, eVTOLs, the metaverse, even eternal life technologies (though I'll likely pass on that last one)—it's all on the table.
The key is ensuring these technologies become as positive and accessible as possible for people from all walks of life. Instead of fearing disruption, let's dig in, invest thoughtfully, and shape the future we want to see.
The Technologies Reshaping Tomorrow
The frontiers I'm most fascinated by include robotics, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, advanced batteries, 5G networks, drones, methane reduction technologies, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, brain-computer interfaces, critical minerals extraction, and plant-based proteins. The list grows longer each year.
I've been studying these emerging fields through the intellectual property strategy and patent analytics firm I co-founded in 2004. We've consistently spotted trends early—analyzing augmented reality in 2008, drone delivery in 2010, blockchain in 2013, and autonomous vehicles in 2014. This early-stage pattern recognition led us to begin taking equity stakes in 2017, helping companies develop robust IP strategies. Several successful exits and IPOs later, we're now launching a new pre-seed frontier technology venture capital firm.
Music: The Universal Language of Innovation
Beyond technology, I'm deeply drawn to music from the West African diaspora and beyond. Senegalese Mbalax to Brazilian Samba Reggae, African American Fife and Drum Music, and New Orleans Brass Band music, I've had incredible opportunities to perform, participate in, and record music across three continents.
I'm particularly fascinated by Gewel (griot) music—musical traditions passed down through families, sometimes manifesting as cultural class systems, other times as simple family bands. These oral traditions carry innovation in their own right, preserving and evolving cultural knowledge across generations.
I'm also passionate about rhythmically intense music of all types: blues, jazz, this, and rock and roll, in all stripes…anything that moves with complexity and soul.
My Journey Through Deep Tech
Biotech, Pharma & Medtech (Early 2000s): My deep tech journey began here, exploring bead-based chemical analytics, small molecule therapeutics, drug delivery devices, LEDs, and gene therapy solutions. These technologies ignited my passion for engineering, science, and innovation.
Cleantech & Autonomous Systems (Mid-2000s): I dove deep into energy generation and storage, materials science, water technologies, and automation. From lithium batteries to autonomous vehicles, solar and wind power—this period opened my eyes to humanity's potential to decarbonize and upgrade our infrastructure.
AgTech (2012-2018): I spent significant time mapping innovation in animal health, agricultural technology, and natural products. Managing a team of 25 experts—technical specialists, lawyers, and commercialization professionals—I helped transform a small startup into a global, vertically integrated agricultural technology powerhouse. This experience taught me how to operate at the intersection of business, technology, and law.
UC Berkeley Deep Tech Innovation Lab (2016-Present): Partnering with Bowman Heiden and the Center for Intellectual Property, we built a research and education program focused on commercializing deep tech innovations. Working with real-world projects from startups, government labs, and corporations, we create interdisciplinary teams of graduate students from Haas Business School, Berkeley Engineering, and Berkeley Law. We've worked with over 75 technologies and hundreds of students to bring complex innovations to market.
Blockchain & Beyond: During the pandemic, I fell deep down the blockchain rabbit hole—completely red-pilled, if you will. I assembled extensive resources to understand how this technology might eventually disrupt the foundations of society (timing TBD).
The Tesla Phenomenon: Few companies are simultaneously disrupting as many aspects of society through deep tech as Tesla. Watching their progress across robots, AI, autonomy, batteries, solar, and advanced computing has been both enlightening and inspiring—controversial, yes, but undeniably innovative.
What's Next
These are just a few of the parallel frontiers we'll explore together, with many more to come. Whether we're diving into the latest breakthrough in synthetic biology or unpacking the cultural innovation embedded in traditional music, the goal remains the same: to navigate the complexity of our rapidly changing world with curiosity and wisdom.
Please subscribe, enjoy the journey, and whatever happens—don't forget to ignore the confusion!