RAISE Panel 2025: The AGI Ascent Climbing Toward Superhuman Intelligence

The panel at RAISE 2025 convened leading experts in artificial intelligence to dissect the current realities and future trajectory of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Central to the discussion was the persistent ambiguity around defining and benchmarking AGI, underscoring the complexity of replicating human-level intelligence in machines. Participants highlighted how next-generation AI systems are heavily reliant on unprecedented compute power and energy, with infrastructure demands reaching gigawatt scales, which presents both technical and environmental challenges that require a strategic approach from industry and policy makers alike.

Key technological themes emerged around the evolution of AI capabilities via scaling laws, sophisticated data strategies, and the rise of agentic systems that mimic autonomous decision-making. The debate navigated the trade-offs between centralized AI training, which supports safety and controlled innovation, versus decentralized inference systems that could democratize access and foster broader innovation ecosystems. Additionally, the panel examined the societal implications of AI-induced job shifts and advocated for frameworks where human creativity is augmented rather than supplanted by automation. These insights point to the necessity of responsible AI deployment that balances innovation with ethical considerations.

• The definitional challenges and benchmarking of AGI highlight the need for clear frameworks to guide development.
• Compute and energy demands of AI signal critical infrastructure and sustainability issues.
• The interplay of scaling laws, data management, and agentic systems reshapes AI capability thresholds.
• Centralized vs. decentralized paradigms present contrasting pathways impacting safety, innovation, and democratization.
• Addressing the socio-economic effects on employment and human creativity is paramount in policy and corporate strategy.
• Responsible AI deployment remains essential to harness technological advancements ethically and inclusively.