Why tech faces a long, painful fallout from Iran

In the eighth episode of the BIG BANG TECH REPORT, Jens de Buhr and Alvin Wang Graylin discuss the technological ripple effects of the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

What does geopolitical conflict mean for the global tech industry? The conversation explores how disruptions in energy markets could slow the AI race, why data centers may become strategic assets in future conflicts, and how the global balance of technological power could shift in unexpected ways.

Beyond geopolitics, the episode also looks at emerging shifts inside the tech world itself—from Apple’s evolving AI strategy and the rise of powerful small models to the possibility that a single founder, equipped with AI agents, might build companies that once required entire teams.

From energy and infrastructure to AI, startups, and global innovation strategies, this episode asks a central question: how will today’s geopolitical tensions reshape the future of technology?

About the guests Jens de Buhr – Founder & CEO, JDB Holding; publisher of DUP UNTERNEHMER; co-founder of the BIG BANG AI Festival. He connects business, politics, and research to shape Germany’s digital future.

Links: LinkedIn Web: https://www.dup-magazin.de

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Alvin Wang Graylin – Global tech strategist; author of Our Next Reality; Chairman of the Virtual World Society. 35+ years of experience across AI, semiconductors, XR, and cybersecurity; former executive at HTC, Intel, IBM, and Trend Micro; Stanford HAI Digital Fellow; MIT lecturer; advisor on AI policy and governance.

Links: LinkedIn Substack X Web: https://ournextreality.com