Michael Kratsios on the New Golden Age of American Science | EP #276
In a Nutshell
The U.S. government under Michael Kratsios is launching a full AI-native reimagining of science to double national scientific productivity within a decade, backed by concrete national missions like returning humans to the moon in 2028, a lunar base by 2030, and a space nuclear reactor. This effort includes the Genesis mission to apply AI across all agencies, shifting from a fear-based AI narrative to one centered on healthcare breakthroughs, job creation, and economic growth, while reforming grant processes with golden tickets, fast-track reviews, and meta-science units to reduce administrative burdens. The strategy also pushes American AI stack exports, robotics leadership, and innovation zones to maintain technological dominance over China, with private philanthropy and autonomous labs expected to accelerate discovery beyond traditional government funding.
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Michael Kratsios described reading the golden age report as a kid in a candy store. He characterized the current moment as a complete fundamental AI native, AI agent up reimagining of the entire scientific process, which he believes is possible. His sense is that this is the golden age of America. AI is a technology that is going to impact every agency, whether flying drones, doing AI powered medical diagnostics, or working at the SEC on financial services.
Kratsios stated that government needs to be opinionated about what the most important things are for the future of the nation. The administration plans to put man back on the moon in 2028, build the first elements of a lunar base by 2030, and put a nuclear reactor in space by 2028. These were described as crazy ideas that were written down and approved as national missions.
The interview takes place at the White House with Michael Kratsios, the 13th director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and science adviser to President Trump. Kratsios is the principal architect behind three landmark initiatives: America's AI action plan as the roadmap for winning the global AI race, the Genesis mission as a Manhattan Project style effort to accelerate breakthrough discoveries, and science and new golden age as his blueprint for rewarding bold unconventional ideas and dramatically increasing the rate of scientific discovery.
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