Code 2025
AGI: The Path Forward – Jason Warner & Eiso Kant, Poolside
Jason Warner , Eiso Kant , Poolside
Overview
Poolside is developing AI models from scratch, focusing on pairing next-token prediction with reinforcement learning to bridge the gap between models and human intelligence. Their second-generation model, Malibu agent, is designed for high-consequence code environments, demonstrating capabilities in code conversion, testing, and feature implementation. The company emphasizes building foundational intelligence and scaling it, with plans for public API access and integration with platforms like Amazon Bedrock.
Who should watch
- AI engineers working on agentic systems and coding assistants.
- Product Managers and builders evaluating AI development platforms.
- Developers interested in the practical application of AI in software development.
- Those exploring the future of AI and its role in complex problem-solving.
Key takeaways
- Poolside is building its own AI models, differentiating from existing providers by focusing on a proprietary blend of next-token prediction and reinforcement learning.
- Their agent technology is demonstrated in a Visual Studio Code environment, capable of understanding codebases, converting languages (e.g., ADA to Rust), and implementing new features.
- The company has experience deploying AI in high-consequence environments, such as government and defense sectors, requiring strict permissioning and control.
- Poolside's models are designed to be emotionally intelligent and capable of various knowledge work beyond coding, including creative tasks.
- Future plans include public API access, integration with cloud providers like Amazon Bedrock, and making their models available for developers building AI engineering assistants.
- The company is investing heavily in infrastructure, including data centers, to scale their model training and capabilities.
- Poolside is open to partnerships with developers looking to fine-tune or build upon their models.
- The evolution of AI is moving from completions to chat and towards increasingly autonomous, agentic approaches.
Notable quotes
Poolside exists to close the gap between models and human intelligence.
*We're working in high consequence code environments for the last year inside the government and the defense sector.*
*The world in the future has been built on top of intelligence and so be a great way to partner.*
Unofficial community note. Prefer the recording for nuance.