The Last Invention DC - Pull Up a Chair Superintelligence is on the Table
Sixty years ago, mathematician I.J. Good warned that the first ultraintelligent machine would be the last invention humanity ever needs to make. Many people believe we are living in the beginning of this moment as super intelligence advances and takes on more human tasks.
Last Invention DC is a monthly reading and discussion group tackling the tough problems and challenges as Washington, DC defines super intelligence. From who is building it, how to govern or regulate it, and the global and geopolitical challenges between super powers. Each month we take on an issue for discussion and debate such as: China and the global race, chips and export controls, the data centers rising across Northern Virginia and the energy they demand, the future of work, safety and oversight, and who ends up holding the power.
This is a study, debate and discussion group and not a lecture or course. Each session pairs a shared reading or listen with an open, rigorous conversation, and some sessions feature invited guests working on these questions directly.
We meet on the second Wednesday of every month, alternating between in-person gatherings in Washington, DC and online sessions, so members outside the city can join. Discussions are held under the Chatham House Rule so people can speak candidly.
Come curious and you don’t need a technical background but expect to do the reading.
What to expect
The second Wednesday of every month
Alternating formats: in person in Washington, DC from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, and online from 7:00 to 8:30 pm (Eastern)
One shared reading or listen per session, sent a week ahead
Invited guests from tech, policy, research, faith, and civil society
Chatham House Rule: what is said can be used but not attributed
Host
Hosted by Karen Maria Alston, a Washington, DC strategist with more than 20 years in strategic narrative and public affairs, and the founder of Alston Marketing Group and The Spectrum Circle.
Get involved
Lead a conversation. We are seeking speakers working on frontier AI across policy, AI safety research, national security, labor, faith, and civil society. If you would like to join us as a guest, email Karen at kalston266@gmail.com with a few lines about your work and the question you would bring to the room.
Host a gathering. We are also looking for venues in Washington, DC for our in-person conversations: a room for up to 30 people, ideally with a screen. If your organization, office, or space could host a session, email Karen at the same address.