In a recent interview at the Dwarkesh Podcast, published on February 19, 2025, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, presented an ambitious yet pragmatic vision of the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. With innovations like the Majorana 1 chip and a strategy prioritizing economic impact over theoretical milestones, Nadella is positioning Microsoft as a leader in technologies that could transform emerging industries such as cryptocurrencies and blockchain. His insights offer valuable perspectives on how AI and quantum computing could redefine aspects of Bitcoin mining, blockchain safety, and more.
Nadella rejects the traditional notion of general artificial intelligence (AGI) as an abstract objective. Instead, he proposes a more tangible standard: achieving a 10% global GDP growth. This vision implies that AI should be integrated into the real economy, not just labs. For the crypto ecosystem, this means AI could optimize processes like transaction validation, reduce energy consumption in Bitcoin mining, or predict cryptocurrency market trends. However, success hinges on industries adopting these tools, a challenge the blockchain sector faces due to its decentralization and resistance to change.
The announcement of the Majorana 1, a quantum chip based on Majorana Zero modes, marks a significant milestone. This advance promises more stable and scalable qubits, with a goal of one million qubits by 2027-2029. Nadella explains that quantum computing is like a nature simulator, enabling the generation of synthetic data that AI can use to train better models. A qubit, the basic unit of information in quantum computing, can represent 0, 1, or a combination of both, thanks to quantum mechanics properties.
In the context of cryptocurrencies, quantum computing has a double edge. It could simulate complex cryptographic algorithms, potentially breaking their current safety, or design new encryption methods resistant to quantum computing, accelerating smart contracts through advanced simulations. Nadella sees opportunities in the combination of AI and quantum computing, but experts warn that current cryptocurrencies must adapt soon to avoid obsolescence.
Nadella anticipates that AI agents will revolutionize knowledge work, comparing them to the Lean Methodology in manufacturing. These agents could automate tasks such as portfolio management, audit smart contracts, or participate in decentralized autonomous organizations’ governance. However, mass adoption will require overcoming bottlenecks like change management in decentralized companies and communities.
A key obstacle Nadella identifies is the legal and social framework. Human responsibility will be an indispensable requirement, limiting AI systems’ autonomy in blockchain. For cryptocurrencies, this means developers must integrate legal safeguards into AI systems, possibly human-machine hybrids. This approach contrasts with the libertarian ethos of many crypto communities, potentially generating tensions in its adoption.
As a hyperscaler, Microsoft plans to dominate AI and quantum infrastructure. Nadella emphasizes that whoever can perform a lot of calculations will be a great winner. This positions Azure as a potential backbone for computing-intensive blockchain applications. For students and entrepreneurs in crypto, this suggests an opportunity to leverage Microsoft’s infrastructure for blockchain projects. However, Nadella predicts a competitive market with open-source options, which could benefit independent developers against technological giants.
It’s essential to note that investments in crypto are not regulated in some countries and may not be suitable for retail investors, as the total invested amount could be lost. It’s crucial to understand your country’s laws before investing. This article is based on Satya Nadella’s interview at the Dwarkesh Podcast, complemented with context from experts in cryptography and quantum computing under a free use license for educational purposes.