Key Insights from ICP Hub’s AI Lounge on What’s Hype, What’s Real, and Who’s Building

On a recent X Spaces edition of AI Lounge, hosted by Stefan from ICP Hub Singapore, industry leaders came together to unpack the expanding intersection of AI and Web3. The conversation wasn’t just a tech echo chamber – it was a clear-eyed reality check on what’s working, what’s noise, and what it means to build in 2025.

Who Was in the Room?

Julia Stadnyk – Co-Founder & CPO at OGBrainer, Launch Accelerator ’25. Web3 and AI strategist.
David Shengard – General Partner at Unicorn Factory Ventures, early-stage VC focused on fundamentals and frontier tech.
Dima Foremnyi – GP at 3x Capital, Leader of ICP HUB Ukraine, and startup ecosystem enabler across Eastern Europe.
Igor Stadnyk – Founder of InFriars AI, a platform building autonomous agents to streamline infrastructure deployment.

Key Themes

1. AI + Web3: Powerful Potential, Real Misuse

The panelists agreed that while AI is often slapped onto pitch decks for buzz, most projects fail to integrate it meaningfully. David underscored the importance of asking: “Is AI the core of the product, or just a marketing add-on?” Julia and Dima added nuance – wrappers (like GPT interfaces) aren’t bad, but the market must distinguish utility from superficiality.

2. Builders vs. Hype Machines

Several speakers noted that real value emerges from tools that solve actual user pain points. Julia’s company, OGBrainer, for example, automates social media engagement – not by reinventing the wheel but by summarizing real-time data and helping users cut through noise. Igor’s InFriars AI empowers non-technical users to deploy entire infrastructures with simple prompts – from buying domains to launching smart contracts.

3. Investor Perspectives: Caution & Optimism

David, recently back from Token2049, shared that investors are increasingly wary of AI-labeled projects with no real tech. Institutional capital now demands clear utility, technical depth, and long-term vision – not AI “stickers.” Still, there’s a strong conviction that AI-native infrastructure and agent-based operations (especially in DAOs) are fertile ground.

Takeaways from Token2049

Julia and Igor highlighted a striking trend: AI stole the spotlight at what’s traditionally a crypto conference. Despite physical limitations (like the AI stage being outside in the Dubai heat), the level of engagement was high, hinting at a growing convergence between AI builders and crypto-native communities.

Dima noted a surge in Web2 interest in Web3 tooling, including collaborations between major platforms like TikTok and blockchain startups. Igor added that the attendee quality was up: “More builders, more serious players, less noise.”

Real Applications Driving Value

Some concrete AI x Web3 use cases discussed:

Voice-first crypto experiences – e.g., paying bills or triggering wallet actions by voice command
Autonomous agents – managing finances, deploying dApps, and handling DevOps
Summarization tools, like Brainer, offer digestible trend insights to save time.

AI Ethics & Governance Concerns

Audience questions touched on AI impersonation in DAOs and overdependence on AI for communication. Speakers responded with clear concern:

AI governance and “proof of humanity” protocols like NFID or Worldcoin are emerging safeguards.
While AI augments, it should not replace human insight or agency.

What’s Next?

ICP HUBS Network is organizing a global hackathon, the World Computer Hacker League (WCHL) 2025, which will run from July 1 through October.
3x Capital continues to fund early-stage ventures with strong fundamentals but doesn’t actively pursue AI unless it solves real Web3 problems.
InFriars AI is developing into a DAO-first Layer 1 tailored for AI deployment.

Final Word

This X Space served as a necessary filter in a space overflowing with hype. With AI and crypto maturing side by side, the call is clear: build with purpose, integrate with clarity, and stay human.