The AI Collective Launches Globally to Bridge the Gap Between AI Advancement and Societal Trust
In an era defined by the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence, The AI Collective has emerged as a beacon of hope, addressing the critical gap between AI’s breakneck progress and its alignment with human values. Formerly known as The GenAI Collective, this grassroots movement has rebranded and formally incorporated as a non-profit organization, unveiling three foundational initiatives aimed at fostering trust, openness, and human flourishing in the age of AI. With over 70,000 members across 25+ global chapters and partnerships with industry leaders like AWS, Meta, Anthropic, Roam, and Product Hunt, The AI Collective is now the world’s largest AI-focused community.
This announcement follows a social media reveal on June 3rd and coincides with flagship launch events in San Francisco, New York City, and other global chapters. These efforts mark the beginning of a bold mission to mobilize a new generation of AI innovators and stewards who can ensure that technological advancements serve humanity responsibly.
Addressing the Growing Divide: Why Trust Matters in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace—driven by fierce competition and massive investments—the essential work of aligning these systems with societal trust and ethical principles often takes a backseat. This imbalance poses significant risks, from eroding public confidence to exacerbating inequalities. Recognizing this challenge, The AI Collective positions itself as a vital human counterpoint to the relentless march of technology.
“The ground is shifting beneath us,” said Chappy Asel, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The AI Collective. “AI’s exponential progress brings immense possibility, but also profound questions about our future, our work, and even our identity. The institutions we rely on weren’t built for this velocity.”
Asel emphasized the importance of trust in navigating this transformative period. “Trust is the invisible thread holding society together, and right now, that thread is fraying under the strain of misaligned incentives and rapid, uncoordinated change. In an era of exponential transformation, our greatest strength lies in each other—in creating trusted, in-person spaces to make sense of this moment, ask deeper questions, and collaboratively shape a future where AI genuinely enhances human flourishing, not just surpasses human capability.”
Three Foundational Initiatives to Drive Responsible AI Stewardship
To address these challenges, The AI Collective is launching three key initiatives designed to rebuild trust through action, participation, and collaboration:
1. Expanding Global Community & Events: Rebuilding Trust Through In-Person Connection
The AI Collective aims to rehumanize innovation by expanding its global footprint to 100 chapters across six continents by the end of the year. Each chapter will blend local vision with shared global values of openness and inclusivity, hosting events such as salons, hackathons, demo nights, mentorship circles, and cross-disciplinary mashups. These gatherings will foster meaningful connections and deepen trust among participants.
A highlight of this initiative is Singularity Fest, scheduled for November 2025 in San Francisco. This multi-day, decentralized celebration will bring together 10,000 pioneers from diverse fields for hands-on labs, purpose-driven keynotes, thematic tracks, and community-led activations. By centering humanity in AI’s next leaps, Singularity Fest will ensure that innovation remains grounded in human needs and aspirations.
2. Informing Decision-Makers: Bridging the Gap Between Frontier Insight and Responsible Governance
To combat institutional blind spots and lagging policy frameworks, The AI Collective Institute serves as the organization’s participatory research arm. It connects frontier technologists directly with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public, translating ground-truth insights into actionable guidance. Through open research and practical tools, the institute empowers decision-makers to foster responsible innovation and navigate the complexities of AI-driven change effectively.
3. Supporting Mission-Aligned Innovation: Actively Incentivizing Human-Centric AI Development
Through Collective Investments, the organization operates a founder-investor matchmaking program under its non-profit umbrella. This initiative identifies and supports promising entrepreneurs building trustworthy, beneficial AI solutions. By connecting these founders with values-aligned capital allocators—such as venture capitalists, grants, and angel investors—Collective Investments ensures that the AI ecosystem reflects principles of human flourishing and responsible progress.
A Movement Rooted in Collaboration and Shared Values
At its core, The AI Collective believes that deliberate intervention is necessary to steer AI’s trajectory toward outcomes that benefit all of humanity. Without focused efforts on trust, openness, and participation, AI risks leaving people behind, widening existing divides rather than bridging them. By bringing together builders, thinkers, policymakers, investors, and pioneers, the organization seeks to create a collaborative ecosystem where innovation is guided by shared values and a commitment to the greater good.
“We believe that in an era of exponential transformation, our greatest strength lies in each other,” Asel reiterated. “By creating trusted spaces to engage deeply with the implications of AI, we can collaboratively shape a future where technology truly enhances human flourishing.”
Celebrating a Bold New Chapter
The AI Collective is marking this pivotal moment with ongoing flagship events and celebrations across its global chapters. From San Francisco to New York City and beyond, these gatherings underscore the organization’s commitment to fostering a worldwide movement dedicated to responsible AI stewardship.
As part of its mission, The AI Collective invites individuals from all walks of life—builders, thinkers, policymakers, investors, and pioneers—to join the conversation and contribute to shaping a future where AI serves humanity equitably and responsibly. Together, they aim to ensure that the incredible potential of artificial intelligence is harnessed not just for technological supremacy, but for the betterment of all.
With its ambitious initiatives and unwavering focus on trust and collaboration, The AI Collective is poised to become a driving force in ensuring that AI remains a tool for empowerment, connection, and progress—one that keeps humanity firmly at its center.
ABOUT THE AI COLLECTIVE
The AI Collective (formerly The GenAI Collective) is the world’s largest non-profit, grassroots community dedicated to empowering the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI’s future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing. Founded in 2023, the AI Collective has rapidly grown into a global force:
- 70,000+ members: Comprising leading founders, researchers, investors, and multidisciplinary operators from OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Databricks, Cohere, and more.
- 200+ AI startups launched or showcased at demo nights, connecting directly with investors and clients; participating companies subsequently raised $72M+ in funding.
- 25+ active chapters with 200+ events hosted, located in major tech hubs globally including New York City, London, Paris, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Bengaluru and more.
- 40+ leading partners, including Amazon, Anthropic, Andreessen Horowitz, Meta, Github, TedAI, Product Hunt, Roam, Linux Foundation, and top academic institutions.
- A dedicated global team of 100+ volunteer organizers committed to building authentic, impactful community experiences.
Through its focus on in-person connection, participatory research via The AI Collective Institute, and support for mission-aligned innovation via Collective Investments, the organization serves as a vital hub for sense-making, collaboration, and responsible stewardship in the age of artificial intelligence.
