Share
What's Next with Philip Meissner
Using AI to Save Water: Why Farmers Matter Most
Season 1, Ep. 26
•
We’re panicking about AI’s water use and missing the real problem.
Jairo Trad, co-founder and CEO of Kilimo, explains why farmers sit at the center of the global water crisis, and how AI, used the right way, can dramatically reduce water waste at scale.
Speaking with Philip Meissner, Jairo shares how Kilimo delivers AI-driven irrigation advice by simple text messages, without sensors or hardware, and why incentives matter more than regulation.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why 70–90% of global water use happens in agriculture, not data centers
- How AI without sensors helps farmers know exactly when to irrigate
- Why paying farmers to save water finally makes large-scale change possible
- How companies now invest in water security near their own facilities
- What a future looks like where water is no longer the limiting factor
This is a clear, pragmatic conversation about fixing water systems — not with guilt or panic, but with smarter incentives that actually work.
👉 Watch now to see why the path to water security starts on farms, not in server rooms.
Timestamps:
00:58 Why farmers drive climate impact
01:43 Agriculture vs AI water use
03:29 How much water farming really uses
04:09 The water problem no one fixes
06:351 How AI improves farm irrigation
07:51 What farmers gain from water tech
08:07 A farmer story: less water, better yields
09:45 Paying farmers to save water
13:12 Why climate must make business sense
15:01 How pricing fixes water problems
16:33 Where the biggest water savings are
18:07 What blocks water innovation
19:40 Rethinking the global water system
21:43 The thinker who inspired Jairo
23:51 Why entrepreneurs embrace pain
25:44 Scaling without losing judgment
28:04 Confidence vs ego in leadership
29:02 Building teams that challenge leaders
31:26 A future with water security
32:37 Why Jairo stays optimistic
Connect with Philip Meissner:
Connect with Jairo Trad:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingjairotrad/
Explore Kilimo:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agrokilimo
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/kilimo-agtech/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/agrokilimo
"What’s Next with Philip Meissner“
A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!
#WaterCrisis #AgTech #AIForGood #SustainableAgriculture #WaterSecurity #ClimateTech #SmartIrrigation #FutureOfFarming #WaterInnovation #AIInAgriculture #ClimateSolutions #WaterManagement #Sustainability #FoodSecurity #ClimateAction
More episodes
View all episodes
29. Calm Down About Quantum: It’s Not What You Think
32:28||Season 1, Ep. 29In this episode, Philip Meissner speaks with Marissa Giustina, a physicist working at the forefront of quantum technology and physical AI, to cut through the hype and explain what these breakthroughs really mean.Key takeaways from the conversation:Why quantum computers are powerful but highly specialized toolsThe real problems quantum is actually suited to solveHow leaders should prepare for quantum without chasing buzzwordsWhat physical AI can and can’t do in the human worldWhy curiosity and responsible stewardship matter more than speedThis is a clear, grounded conversation about the future of technology without the science fiction.👉 Watch the full episode and see what’s really coming next.Timestamps:01:01 What quantum technology is03:06 Why companies are racing into quantum04:24 Quantum vs artificial intelligence07:02 What quantum computers can solve10:58 How to prepare for the quantum era14:39 Will quantum impact AI15:07 Quantum encryption and security19:09 The biggest quantum myth20:50 Why physical AI is exciting22:58 Where physical AI comes first27:21 Curiosity and pushing limits29:04 Knowing when to quit30:18 What’s next after quantum31:21 What gives hope for the futureConnect with Philip Meissner:linkedin.com/in/pmeissner Connect with Marissa Giustina:linkedin.com/in/marissa-giustina-aa4376161"What’s Next with Philip Meissner“A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!Join our mailing list: www.philipmeissner.com/whatsnext to stay updated on the latest trends#QuantumComputing #QuantumTechnology #QuantumAI #TechHype #FutureOfTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #PhysicalAI #PostQuantumSecurity #QuantumEncryption #TechLeadership #ResponsibleAI #EmergingTechnology #AITrends #DeepTech #TechnologyStrategy
Highlights: The Geothermal Bottleneck: Who Controls the Future of Energy?
07:48|We’ve curated a sharp segment on how drilling drives up to 70% of project costs and how Hades’ laser technology could finally make deep geothermal and critical minerals economically viable. Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/tWRI9sDUwsYApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-geothermal-bottleneck-who-controls-the/id1793306908?i=1000751126969Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z0WtRPp09Y3HutTwFbXcW?si=a6084031b9664f76 "What’s Next with Philip Meissner"A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!Join our mailing list: www.philipmeissner.com/whatsnext to stay updated on the latest trends
28. The Geothermal Bottleneck: Who Controls the Future of Energy?
31:21||Season 1, Ep. 28Unlimited energy is just 10 kilometers away. So why don’t we have it?In this episode, deep-tech entrepreneur Max Werner, founder of Hades Mining, explains why geothermal could rival coal in power output and why it still isn’t commercially viable.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why the 10km barrier is holding geothermal backThe $500 million cost problem behind deep drillingWhy drilling speed determines everythingHow laser technology could change the gameWhy energy independence is now a geopolitical issueThe world doesn’t lack energy. It lacks affordable access. If that changes, the global power balance changes with it.Watch the full episode to understand what’s blocking unlimited energy and who might break through first.Timestamps:00:48 Why Geothermal Could Be a Game Changer01:20 How Deep Drilling Unlocks Earth’s Heat02:00 The Challenges of Going 10 Kilometers Down03:34 The Full Vision of Scalable Geothermal Energy04:50 Centralized or Decentralized Energy Model05:41 Europe’s Critical Minerals Wake-Up Call08:13 Why Drilling Costs Block Progress09:29 Connecting Geothermal and Critical Minerals10:47 How the Fiber Laser Drill Works13:21 Best Geographies for Geothermal14:54 When Geothermal Becomes Mainstream16:00 The Biggest Myth About Geothermal16:41 Germany’s Geothermal Acceleration Act18:26 The Future of Surgical Mining21:13 Europe’s Untapped Critical Minerals22:53 Lessons from a Deep Tech Founder25:07 Pain Tolerance in Entrepreneurship27:25 The Reality of Building in Deep Tech29:05 A Proud NATO Moment30:23 Optimism for Europe’s Future Connect with Philip Meissner:linkedin.com/in/pmeissner Connect with Max Werner:linkedin.com/in/drwerner"What’s Next with Philip Meissner“A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!#GeothermalEnergy #UnlimitedEnergy #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #DeepTech #EnergyIndependence #DrillingTechnology #RenewableEnergy #CriticalMinerals #EnergyInnovation #ClimateTech #FutureOfEnergy #SustainableEnergy #EnergySecurity #Geopolitics
Highlights: Ian Bremmer: How Algorithms Reshape Global Power
08:20|We’ve curated a 7-minute segment packed with Ian Bremmer’s core insight on why today’s power shift isn’t about infrastructure, but about algorithms reshaping human identity and behavior at a speed and scale we’ve never seen before. Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/7ps7_z0JyvUApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ian-bremmer-how-algorithms-reshape-global-power/id1793306908?i=1000749012234Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XUnRmCAH11o8GA2JAiyhf?si=8bf569287fea423b "What’s Next with Philip Meissner“A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!
27. Ian Bremmer: How Algorithms Reshape Global Power
36:18||Season 1, Ep. 27Power no longer starts with governments. It starts with algorithms.In this episode, Ian Bremmer, founder and president of Eurasia Group, explains how power in the 21st century is shifting away from states and toward the companies and systems that program human behavior. Drawing on decades of advising world leaders and CEOs, Bremmer argues this change is unprecedented in speed, scale, and impact on humanity.You’ll learn:Why tech companies now hold power once reserved for governmentsHow algorithms shape identity, behavior, and social orderWhat this shift means for global stability and leadershipThe biggest mistake leaders are making in today’s power transitionIf you want to understand who really controls power today — and where it’s headed next — this conversation is essential.Timestamps:01:07 Do tech CEOs now rival state power02:35 Digital sovereignty and algorithmic control04:20 Why this power shift is unprecedented06:03 Will governments regain control08:00 Algorithms as the force reshaping power11:11 Is the rules-based global order collapsing14:57 Is US policy weakening America vs. China17:52 India’s role in the emerging power balance20:56 Leadership lessons from the Global Risk Report27:27 Navigating power personally30:19 Habits for surviving a chaotic world34:14 Optimism about the future Connect with Philip Meissner:linkedin.com/in/pmeissner Connect with Ian Bremmer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbremmer/"What’s Next with Philip Meissner“A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!#PowerShift #AlgorithmicPower #AIandSociety #TechPower #GlobalPower #Geopolitics #DigitalSovereignty #Algorithms #FutureOfPower #PoliticalRisk #AIInfluence #TechVsGovernment #GlobalOrder #HumanBehavior #IanBremmer
Highlights: Using AI to Save Water: Why Farmers Matter Most
06:37|We’ve curated this 7-minute segment showing how AI guides farmers to reduce water use by sending them text messages, and why paying farmers to save water unlocked a scalable climate solution. Listen to the full episode now! Youtube: https://youtu.be/0Eq3Aoas87s Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/using-ai-to-save-water-why-farmers-matter-most/id1793306908?i=1000746790562 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DlwsTTBymjEhOIPDBbIjt?si=483681a45ecf4361"What’s Next with Philip Meissner“A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast!
Highlights: Why Recycling Fails (and How AI Can Fix It)
09:14|We’ve curated a 7-minute segment packed with how GrayParrot taught AI to see chaotic, high-speed waste in real time, processing over a billion objects a day on the edge, and turned that visibility into trusted data that’s reshaping recycling.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/w7icJ_zc3Z0 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-recycling-fails-and-how-ai-can-fix-it/id1793306908?i=1000744926849 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/617w5WXnuzLt6Nvktht1z2?si=d920bf8278b44904
25. Why Recycling Fails (and How AI Can Fix It)
34:56||Season 1, Ep. 25AI can recognise faces, cars, even emotions, but until now, it couldn’t see our waste. Philip Meissner talks with Ambarish Mitra, founder of GrayParrot, about the unexpected place AI is finally starting to change the system: recycling.Ambarish shares his journey from augmented reality to environmental AI, and explains how digitising waste unlocks a powerful new data layer for the circular economy.You’ll learn:Why the plastic crisis is actually a waste and data problemHow AI detects and sorts waste in chaotic recycling environmentsWhy most recyclable packaging never gets recycledHow real-time data is changing policy, producer responsibility, and design decisionsThis conversation shows how AI can move beyond optimisation and advertising to solve one of the world’s most overlooked challenges.Watch now to see how invisible waste is becoming actionable intelligence.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:13 From augmented reality to recycling02:45 Why waste is the last AI frontier04:29 Waste as a design and data problem06:29 How Gray Parrot uses AI to see waste08:47 Solving AI detection in chaotic waste11:28 Insights for waste plants and brands14:29 Vision for global impact16:08 Bottlenecks in the circular economy18:59 The true scale of the waste crisis23:26 Entrepreneurial pride and purpose27:26 Leadership lessons from Blippar29:51 Curiosity vs conviction30:43 Staying grounded as a founder32:44 What makes the future optimisticConnect with Philip Meissner:linkedin.com/in/pmeissner Connect with Ambarish Mitra:linkedin.com/in/ambarishmitra#Recycling #ArtificialIntelligence #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #Sustainability #ClimateTech #GreenTech #ComputerVision #EnvironmentalInnovation #AIForGood #PlasticWaste #WasteCrisis #SustainableFuture #TechForClimate #DataDrivenSustainability