From Self-Driving Cars to Climate Solutions: Interview with Tom Chi
Mon Feb 02 2026
New Pulse of AI Podcast! Season 7; Episode 164
Tom Chi joins Pulse of AI Podcast Host Jason Stoughton to talk about his new book, his investment thesis at his deep tech venture firm At One Ventures as well as his time at Google X leading the teams that created autonomous cars, wearable augment reality and deep learning.
As a renowned physicist/innovator turned venture capitalist, Tom was a founding member of GoogleX where so many of the recent groundbreaking discoveries in AI were developed. One day while snorkeling at a reef near his home in Hawaii he realized that the reef was dying and had an epiphany that he should take his expertise and insights and focus on investing in deep-tech startups and catalyze a world where humanity is a net positive to nature.
His new book is Climate Capital: Investing in the Tools for a Regenerative Future.
Takeaways
Tom Chi's career spans astrophysics, tech, and environmentalism. A personal tragedy catalyzed Chi's focus on environmental issues. Economic and ecological goals can align for better business practices. Investing in regenerative technologies is crucial for a sustainable future. AI can play a significant role in improving environmental outcomes. The future workforce will need skills like critical thinking and creativity. Local actions can lead to global change in environmental efforts. Building community and relationships is essential for tackling big challenges. The narrative around environmentalism often emphasizes sacrifice, but innovation can lead to profit. The future will be built by those who take action, not just talk about it. Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:04 Career Phases: From Astrophysics to Tech
03:06 Transition to Environmentalism: A Personal Journey
09:11 The Role of Economics in Environmental Solutions
17:57 AI's Impact on Climate and Industry
24:08 The Future of AI and Environmental Sustainability
30:54 Algorithmic Challenges in AI Development
36:36 The Environmental Impact of AI
41:34 Navigating the Future Job Market
53:40 Building Local Solutions for Global Problems
More
New Pulse of AI Podcast! Season 7; Episode 164 Tom Chi joins Pulse of AI Podcast Host Jason Stoughton to talk about his new book, his investment thesis at his deep tech venture firm At One Ventures as well as his time at Google X leading the teams that created autonomous cars, wearable augment reality and deep learning. As a renowned physicist/innovator turned venture capitalist, Tom was a founding member of GoogleX where so many of the recent groundbreaking discoveries in AI were developed. One day while snorkeling at a reef near his home in Hawaii he realized that the reef was dying and had an epiphany that he should take his expertise and insights and focus on investing in deep-tech startups and catalyze a world where humanity is a net positive to nature. His new book is Climate Capital: Investing in the Tools for a Regenerative Future. Takeaways Tom Chi's career spans astrophysics, tech, and environmentalism. A personal tragedy catalyzed Chi's focus on environmental issues. Economic and ecological goals can align for better business practices. Investing in regenerative technologies is crucial for a sustainable future. AI can play a significant role in improving environmental outcomes. The future workforce will need skills like critical thinking and creativity. Local actions can lead to global change in environmental efforts. Building community and relationships is essential for tackling big challenges. The narrative around environmentalism often emphasizes sacrifice, but innovation can lead to profit. The future will be built by those who take action, not just talk about it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:04 Career Phases: From Astrophysics to Tech 03:06 Transition to Environmentalism: A Personal Journey 09:11 The Role of Economics in Environmental Solutions 17:57 AI's Impact on Climate and Industry 24:08 The Future of AI and Environmental Sustainability 30:54 Algorithmic Challenges in AI Development 36:36 The Environmental Impact of AI 41:34 Navigating the Future Job Market 53:40 Building Local Solutions for Global Problems