In this podcast episode, we explore the journey of artificial intelligence, tracing its origins from early neural network concepts to the cutting-edge generative AI we see today. The discussion focuses on key milestones, especially the period of stagnation known as the "AI autumn" and the pivotal achievement of AlexNet. Rather than experiencing abrupt shifts, the evolution of AI has been a steady progression. The episode also highlights how crucial product deployment and open access have been in making AI accessible to everyone. Additionally, it raises important questions about the balance between rapid growth and the challenges of diminishing returns in AI advancements. Finally, it calls for a renewed focus on academic contributions and recognizes the potential for groundbreaking innovations from independent developers in the field.