Destination Linux Podcast

Interview Marcin Jakubowski

We would like to welcome Marcin Jakubowski to the show. Marcin is the founder of Open Source Ecology. Marcin was recognized on the Enrich List, has been called an Innovation Stuntman, a Disruptive Hero, and gained the distinctions of a 2012 TED Senior Fellow, a 2013 Shuttleworth Foundation Fellow, and a 2013 White House Champion of Change.

In addition, the Global Village Construction Set (which we will get into during the interview) was also recognized in Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2012.

Marcin, thank you so much for coming to talk with us today...

[Ryan] Most of our community is familar with terms surrounding open source software and hardware but open source ecology maybe new to some of oour listerners. Can you explain the idea behind open source ecology?

[Michael] Prior to founding OSE in 2003 what was your experience with open source such as Linux or other open source applications?

[Noah] Your biography states you came to the U.S. from Poland as a child. Graduated with honors from Princeton University and earned your Ph.D. in fusion physics from the University of Wisconsin. Then you started a farm in Missouri. Tell us what led you go from Princeton to farming?

[Ryan] What were the issues that you were seeing or experienced yourself which led you to found OSE?

[Michael] Your site states that “OSE is currently developing a set of open source blueprints for the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS) – a set of the 50 most important machines that it takes for modern life to exist” You’ve made it through about 1/3rd of these so far. Tell us about some of these machines you’ve been able to open source and what were some of the breakthroughs in this mission so far?

[Noah] What do you view as the biggest hurdle standing in between you and your goals with OSE?

[Michael] Let’s talk about some of the ways this has impacted peoples lives to this point. Tell us how people have leveraged this technology you’ve made available?

[Noah] After hearing this, I’m sure our community will want to know how they can get involved. Can you tell us about some of the help you’re looking for and how people can get in touch?

[Ryan: Closing] We want to thank you for coming on the show today to help us understand this incredible work you’re doing, while leveraging the power of open source. We will have links in the show notes for anyone who is wanting to learn more about this project and perhaps get involved. Thank you Marcin!