Pau García-Milà first entered our radar in 2010 as a rising star in the entrepreneurial world. He had launched EyeOS, a system enabling any application to function in a web browser, earning recognition from prestigious institutions like MIT and Fundació Princesa de Girona. After a period off the radar, he reappeared over a year ago, passionately advocating for innovative topics on social media through one-minute videos. This led to the creation of Founderz, an educational platform focusing on trending themes such as cybersecurity and, notably, Artificial Intelligence (AI), establishing a pivotal alliance with Microsoft.
EyeOS: Pioneering Web-Based Application Virtualization
EyeOS, a web-based application virtualization system, emerged during the transition to HTML5 and the evolving concept of the web. It allowed users to run various applications, from Windows and Mac to Linux, directly in a browser. The idea mirrored the concept of cloud computing years before it became mainstream.
Originally an open-source project, EyeOS faced challenges in defining a sustainable business model, eventually leading to its acquisition by Telefónica. Despite the hurdles, EyeOS made significant technological contributions to open-source libraries that endure today.
Accolades and Post-EyeOS Ventures
Receiving accolades such as the MIT Innovator of the Year (2011) and the FPdGI Princess of Girona Award (2010) marked a period of heightened visibility for García-Milà. While acknowledging the long-term impact of these awards on his professional life, he emphasized the importance of staying grounded in the face of day-to-day business challenges.
Post-EyeOS, García-Milà ventured into several projects, including Bananity, a recommendation-focused social network, and IdeaFoster, a company specializing in prototyping disruptive business models for large enterprises. IdeaFoster’s success culminated in its acquisition by Opera Beta Witty, a major investment group. García-Milà and Ana Maiques, his co-founder, eventually exited IdeaFoster, leading to the inception of Founderz.
Birth of Founderz: A Pivot to Future-Centric Education
Founderz, conceived as a digital school, evolved into an innovative platform offering programs tailored for adults seeking education in emerging fields. The initial focus on entrepreneurship expanded to encompass professions of the future, targeting individuals in their thirties, forties, and beyond. The collaboration with Microsoft added a significant dimension, allowing Founderz to become a global education partner, offering programs in Western Europe and beyond.
Founderz strives to democratize access to education, making programs affordable for the majority. Partnerships with foundations, including the Princess of Girona Foundation and the 11 Foundation, provide financial support to eligible candidates. The curriculum, rich in collaborative elements, includes high-quality recorded sessions, synchronous weekly meetings, and asynchronous interactions, ensuring flexibility for diverse schedules.
García-Milà’s Journey into AI Advocacy on TikTok
García-Milà’s unexpected journey into TikTok started as a desire to communicate and share insights through short videos. The platform’s unexpected success, with around 206 million views in 2022, underscored the effectiveness of concise, engaging content. This newfound avenue of communication extended to other platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn, amplifying García-Milà’s reach.
The Power and Necessity of AI in Business
García-Milà views AI as a distinct revolution with unparalleled transformative potential. Unlike technologies such as the metaverse or blockchain that are still navigating uncertain futures, AI has moved beyond skepticism. García-Milà warns that not embracing AI is akin to missing a crucial opportunity, emphasizing that while businesses may not be forced into AI adoption, the competitive landscape will eventually demand it.
In conclusion, Pau García-Milà’s journey reflects the evolution of an entrepreneur into an advocate for cutting-edge technologies like AI. Founderz stands as a testament to his commitment to providing accessible education in emerging fields, with Microsoft collaboration propelling the platform into the global arena. García-Milà’s foray into TikTok further showcases his ability to communicate complex concepts in bite-sized, engaging formats, contributing to the broader conversation on AI and technology. As AI continues to redefine industries, García-Milà’s insights and initiatives position him as a guiding force in navigating the transformative landscape of emerging technologies.
