​An anti–Tech Week salon for weird, working, and what-if ideas

​In a city suddenly full of founder talks and B2B SaaS mixers, we’re gathering makers, artists, and technologists for something looser, livelier, and lower-stakes. A rapid-fire evening of provocations, prototypes, and half-baked ideas—designed to air things out, not pitch them.

​Each presenter gets five minutes. Slides optional. Uncanny interfaces, dumb tools, romantic computers, haunted UIs, speculative screenshots, clever hacks, and “what if” rants encouraged. Think PechaKucha, but for projects that aren’t finished (or shouldn’t be).

​Speakers

​We have curated an all-star lineup of presenters from the AIR and Index communities who will share their wildest creative dreams. They include:

• Trudy Painter
• Elie Andersen & Hugh Francis
• Osebo Akhigbe
• Chet Ellis
• Barron Webster
• Marc Müeller of Danger Testing
• Tina Tarighian

​Program

​7:30PM Doors open; Come early for dumplings, wine, and conversation.

​8:00PM Go time. Quick intro followed by fast, fun, and maybe slightly unhinged provocations from builders, designers, and experimenters.

​8:45PM Mingling, snacks, continued scheming.

​AIR

​AIR (AI Residency) is a NYC-based accelerator backing design-led consumer AI startups. We support early-stage teams building products that feel novel, human, and emotionally resonant. Founded by Collaborative Fund with Fictive Kin, AIR offers a 10-week program focused on creativity, craft, and culture in the age of AI.