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Your Brain Built AI (Before Silicon Did)

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About this event

What to expect

Before neural networks were coded, they were biological. This intimate evening in Montreal explores the surprising ways human neuroscience has shaped every major breakthrough in artificial intelligence — from backpropagation to attention mechanisms — and what that means for the future of both fields.

Blake Richards, a leading computational neuroscientist, takes attendees on a journey through the hidden biological blueprints behind modern AI. While most people think of AI as a purely engineering achievement, the reality is far more interesting: researchers have been stealing ideas from the brain for decades, often without realizing it. This talk reveals those connections and explains why understanding the brain might be the key to building better AI.

What You'll Discover

  • How biological neurons inspired artificial neural networks — and where the metaphor breaks down
  • The neuroscience origins of backpropagation, the algorithm that powers ChatGPT and Claude
  • Why attention mechanisms in transformers mirror how your brain filters information
  • What current AI still gets wrong about biological intelligence
  • Where neuroscience research might lead AI next

This isn't a technical workshop or coding session — it's an accessible, thought-provoking conversation designed for anyone curious about the biological roots of artificial intelligence. Whether you're building AI agents, working in tech, or simply fascinated by how intelligence works, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of both brains and algorithms.

The event takes place at Pub L'Île Noire, a cozy venue in Montreal's Quartier Latin perfect for intellectual exchange over drinks. Lectures After Dark specializes in bringing complex scientific topics to public audiences in an engaging, bar-friendly format — expect an informal atmosphere where questions are encouraged.

This two-hour session includes the main presentation followed by an open Q&A where you can dive deeper into topics that intrigue you. It's an opportunity to connect with others interested in neuroscience, AI, and the fascinating overlap between biological and artificial intelligence.

Perfect for researchers, AI builders, neuroscience enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to understand the organic origins of the technology transforming our world. No technical background required — just bring your curiosity

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