S3 E9 | Insights on the Future of DeSci w/Tarun Chitra (Gauntlet)
46m | May 1, 2025In this episode, we're speaking with Tarun Chitra, CEO of Gauntlet, partner at Robot Ventures, and co-host of The Chopping Block, about his thoughts, criticisms, and predictions on the intersection of science, finance, and decentralization.
We start by talking about the historical funding models of scientific research, the shortcomings of traditional science funding, and the rise of decentralized science (DeSci).
Tarun then shares some of his critiques of the current state of DeSci, highlighting its misaligned incentives and financialization within the broader crypto space. He also shares his thoughts on the potential role of AI in the development of DeSci and crypto.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
02:19 Evolution of science funding
11:37 Funding models in DeSci
23:55 Reputation and credibility in science
31:29 Nonfinancialized mechanism design
40:58 The future of AI and crypto
