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Applied AI Society — Strategy

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Mission​

To spread the benefits of AI to all by raising up a generation of engineers who help businesses and other organizations implement AI systems so they can better serve their customers and constituents.

Vision​

The world's best ecosystem, comprising local chapters across the globe, and open resource library for equipping people to apply AI to business, government, and other organizations.

Why This Matters for OpenTeams​

  1. User & Product Research — Gathering people who could use NebariOS. Their feedback becomes R&D.
  2. Indirect DevRel — Teaching engineers to architect solutions naturally introduces tools like Nebari.
  3. Market Creation — Defining "applied AI engineer" as a professional identity positions OpenTeams as infrastructure layer.

January 2026 Outcome Goals​

GoalSuccess CriteriaStatus
Applied AI Live #180+ attendees, smooth execution, content capturedScheduled: Jan 29
Case Study Library4+ detailed case studies publishedPending
Network DensityKnown by name at major Austin AI eventsPending
NebariOS FluencyBuilt something useful, can demo confidentlyPending
Communication RhythmWeekly async updates sent, no surprisesPending

Weekly Process Goals​

Networking & Visibility​

  • Attend 3+ AI/tech meetups per week
  • Text superconnectors (Michael Daigler, Reid McCrabb) asking for event invites
  • Tweet about applied AI 3+ times per week
  • Get into virtuous cycle: attend → meet people → get invited to more

Content & Documentation​

  • Conduct 1-2 interviews per week with applied AI practitioners
  • Document 1 detailed case study per week (real business, real results)
  • Write 1 POV blog post per month on applied AI themes

Event Execution (Jan 29)​

  • Confirm all speakers (Travis, Rostam)
  • Identify business owner for live architecture session
  • Coordinate with AITX on promotion
  • Arrange A/V and recording
  • Build registration momentum

OpenTeams/NebariOS​

  • Complete NebariOS onboarding and tutorials
  • Build a small project using the platform
  • Identify 2-3 community members who could benefit from NebariOS
  • Document feedback for product team

Communication & Accountability​

  • Send weekly async update to Travis/OpenTeams team
  • Prepare for any sync calls with clear agenda and follow-through
  • Daily check-in with Tim Dort-Golts on applied AI tasks

Jan 29 Event Details​

Applied AI Live #1

  • Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
  • Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST
  • Venue: Antler VC, 800 Brazos St #340, Austin, TX
  • Co-hosts: Applied AI Society + AITX Community

Speakers:

  • Travis Oliphant — Importance of applied AI engineers + OpenTeams vision
  • Rostam Mahabadi — Case studies + live architecture session with real business owner

Target: 80-100 attendees (mostly engineers + AI-hungry business owners)

Core Beliefs​

  • AI should be a jetpack, not a replacement. Empowering humans to work ON the business, not IN it.
  • The gap isn't innovation—it's implementation. Most businesses aren't leveraging existing tools.
  • Business outcomes over technology fascination. Results matter, not benchmarks.
  • Vendor-neutral, standards-first. Loyalty to open tools and standards, not vendors.
  • AI autonomy over AI dependency. Businesses should own their AI capabilities.
  • Open documentation. Every case study shared freely.

Tim Dort-Golts Weekly Review Questions​

  1. How many meetups did you attend this week?
  2. How many interviews did you conduct?
  3. Did you publish any content (case studies, tweets, blog)?
  4. What progress on NebariOS?
  5. Did you send your async update to Travis?
  6. What's blocking you?

Daily Task Options​

Every non-Sabbath day should include at least one:

  • Attend an event
  • Conduct an interview
  • Write content
  • Learn NebariOS
  • Advance Jan 29 event
  • Network/outreach