Joe Heitzeberg, a Seattle tech veteran, was inspired to launch AI Tinkerers, a global community of AI professionals actively working on AI-powered applications, after seeing a tweet by former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman about the lack of tinkering in the field. Heitzeberg, who had previously led online meat and seafood delivery startup Crowd Cow and other startups, had been interested in AI for a long time and saw an opportunity to create a platform for like-minded individuals to collaborate and innovate in the AI space. The idea took off, with meetups now planned in eight cities around the world.
AI Tinkerers is described as the “Homebrew Computer Club of AI,” drawing parallels to the famed hobbyist group that attracted the likes of Apple founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The community is intended for seasoned AI professionals who are pushing the boundaries of large language models and generative AI. Members come from companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, OpenAI, Anthropic, and various startups, working in roles ranging from AI/ML to full stack engineering to data science. Attendees are actively building AI-powered applications and exploring innovative ideas in areas such as AI-powered gaming, healthcare, education, generative AI for creativity, and AI-assisted coding.
The AI Tinkerers community has grown to nearly 8,000 members, with over 650 AI tech demos submitted for consideration and 257 presented at gatherings. The group is focused on meritocracy, with an emphasis on creativity and innovation in AI technology. The meetups are exclusive, with a waitlist often larger than the number of people allowed to attend. The group is not open to AI enthusiasts, marketers, recruiters, or venture capitalists. The only funding for AI Tinkerers comes from sponsors who cover the costs of venue, food, and drinks.
Joe Heitzeberg, the founder of AI Tinkerers, built the platform that powers the community but describes himself as the “man behind the curtain” in a “Wizard of Oz” sense. He set the rules and format for the group and now entrusts managers in new cities where AI Tinkerers is expanding to follow the established guidelines. Despite facing personal challenges with the closure of his previous startup due to family medical reasons, Heitzeberg remains bullish on AI and is actively involved in advising and supporting individuals and startups that are part of the AI Tinkerers community. He sees the community as a valuable platform for creative technologists to collaborate and innovate within the field of artificial intelligence.
AI Tinkerers has gained popularity as a community-driven platform for AI innovators to share ideas, collaborate, and push the boundaries of AI technology. With members from a variety of tech companies and startups, the group has showcased numerous AI tech demos exploring a wide range of themes and applications. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, AI Tinkerers provides a unique forum for AI professionals to connect, learn, and build cutting-edge AI applications. The group’s exclusivity and focus on meritocracy have contributed to its success in attracting top talent and driving forward advancements in AI technology.
As AI Tinkerers continues to expand globally, it remains committed to providing a platform for AI professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and drive innovation in the field of artificial intelligence. With a growing community of members actively involved in building AI-powered applications, the group serves as a valuable resource for individuals and startups looking to explore the potential of AI technology. By fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and experimentation, AI Tinkerers plays a vital role in shaping the future of AI innovation and driving forward the development of cutting-edge AI applications.
