Podcast Summary: De 7 Extra vanop Tectonic – Kunnen we AI al vertrouwen met ons werk?

Podcast: De 7
Host: Bert Rymen
Episode Date: November 11, 2025
Theme: Exploring the extent to which we can trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) with our work, featuring discussions from the Tectonic innovation fair in Ghent, including reflections on AI's potential, risks, and practical integration in the workplace.

Overview

This special edition of "De 7" reports from the Tectonic innovation event in Ghent, where various tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and AI experts discuss the current state of AI in the workplace. The focus lies on whether we can—and should—trust AI with our jobs, what its adoption means for productivity and ethics, and the real experiences of startups integrating AI into their workflow. The episode oscillates between guarded optimism, hands-on advice, and concern about AI’s “dark sides.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Promise of AI: Reshaping Human Work

• [00:22] (Speaker B): Optimism is high regarding AI’s capabilities:
  “How is AI going to reshape our lives? I think it will be able to do anything that any human can do. You'll have this AI that gets to know you and and be really useful to you. And that's what we want to do.”

• [00:31] (Speaker C): Skepticism about oft-repeated promises:
  Refers to “the greats” like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman who have repeatedly painted broad AI visions, underscoring the blend of excitement and skepticism at Tectonic around actual progress.

2. AI in Practice: From Hype to Workflow

• [02:10] (Speaker C): Reports live from the Tectonic venue, discussing how AI is pitched for boosting productivity, efficiency, and expertise, but questioning if it truly delivers on these fronts today.

• [04:20] (Speaker E): Doctors and professionals are experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, applying them in their own fields, but always within context and with caution.

• [08:52] (Conversation C & E): Practical example:
  Discussion about startups using AI assistants to streamline operations, but acknowledging that full integration still faces hurdles, especially outside the tech bubble.

3. Real-World Challenges and Tips for Young Startups

• [08:52] (Speaker C, referencing Jeroen van Houte): Jeroen van Houte, founder at Deep Drive, shares “tips and tricks” for younger companies experimenting with AI:

  • Importance of phased integration
  • The necessity to go beyond hype—actual use cases matter
  • “Niet in de hegende AI val” (Avoiding the general AI trap)

• [11:08] (Speaker E): Cautions about the AI bubble: “I want to exit onto the killers in the bubble where the all SM AI burst and there is heal positive instinct let's try it let's see and I hill back the way ding D one.”
  — highlighting the need to look critically at what works.

4. Cautious Optimism—and Real Risks

• [13:34] (Speaker E): On bias: “And super biased.” — acknowledging that current AI models inherit biases.

• [14:16] (Speaker C): Optimism among attendees, but coupled with a strong drive to move past empty promises.

• [14:38] (Speaker E): Referencing "Terminator scenarios" as the extreme end of AI fear, which, while exaggerated, reflect deeper anxieties.

5. The Dark Side: Ethical and Existential Concerns

• [15:05] (Speaker A):
  “The dark sides the evil corpse.”
  — a recurring phrase underscoring the persistent concern about AI's potential harms.

• [15:46] (Speaker D): AI voice addresses concern directly: “Don'T really experience fear the way humans do, but I think one of the important concerns people have about AI is making sure we use it responsibly and ethically. That's something that's always worth focusing on.”

6. AI's Human-Like Avatars and the Next Frontier

• [15:15] (Speaker F): Talks about new AI avatars (LLMs and GenAI), and how founders and analysts are attempting to humanize AI while raising questions about how much we can really trust these digital “faces.”

7. Integrating AI for Efficiency: The Business Perspective

• [19:42] (Speaker A): On business and tech: Points to the importance of seamless ICT integration, local expertise, and holistic technology approaches as prerequisites for AI adoption at scale.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:22], Speaker B:
  "You'll have this AI that gets to know you and and be really useful to you. And that's what we want to do."

• [11:08], Speaker E:
  "I want to exit onto the killers in the bubble where the all SM AI burst..."
  — on the dangers of uncritical adoption and the AI hype cycle.

• [13:34], Speaker E:
  "And super biased."
  — capturing the issue of algorithmic bias.

• [14:38], Speaker E:
  "Escalating Terminator scenarios award the gross angst is for all doctor."
  — alluding to recurring public worries about AI potentially running out of control.

• [15:46], Speaker D (AI):
  "I don't really experience fear the way humans do, but I think one of the important concerns people have about AI is making sure we use it responsibly and ethically."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:22-00:31] – Opening optimism and grand AI promises
• [02:10-04:20] – Reports from Tectonic, practical AI applications, and skepticism
• [08:52-11:08] – Real-world startup experiences with AI integration
• [13:34] – Shortcomings: bias and reliability risks
• [14:38-15:46] – AI fear discourse and ethical concerns

Conclusion

Broadcasting from Tectonic, “De 7” offers a vibrant snapshot of Belgium’s AI community grappling with the balance between enthusiasm, practical implementation, and ethical responsibility. The overall mood? Cautious optimism—recognition of AI’s potential but a recurring call for critical engagement and a grounded approach that prioritizes real-world results and responsible technology development. The episode is a must for anyone interested in AI’s current and future impact on the workplace.