Did you know that over 90% of AI models rely on centralized data repositories, leaving users with little control over how their information is used? As AI innovation surges, so do concerns about data privacy. At the forefront of solving these challenges is Ashutosh Synghal, Vice President of Engineering at Midcentury Labs Inc., who is pioneering blockchain-powered, privacy-preserving AI solutions that enable secure data exchange while protecting individual privacy.
Revolutionizing AI Privacy with Decentralization
As AI systems continue to reshape industries, Synghal’s mission is to eliminate the trade-off between privacy and innovation. His work at Midcentury Labs is redefining how private AI data is accessed, processed, and monetized. He has led the development of a privacy-first AI data marketplace that aggregates private user data, ensuring it is securely shared with AI developers without exposing raw information.
Midcentury’s platform integrates advanced cryptographic techniques, including zero-knowledge proofs (zkTLS) and trusted execution environments (TEEs), allowing AI models to be trained securely. The system ensures that AI developers can access high-quality datasets while individuals retain control over their personal information and are fairly compensated for their contributions.
For example, data-sharing quests within the platform enable users to share specific, anonymized data points in exchange for compensation or AI-driven insights. Additionally, AI models built on Midcentury’s platform are particularly suited for medical research, financial forecasting, and personalized recommendation systems, all areas that demand both innovation and strict privacy controls.
“Our approach puts data ownership back in the hands of individuals while ensuring AI innovation thrives responsibly,” says Synghal. “Privacy should not be a barrier to progress—it should be the foundation of ethical AI.”
Empowering Users with a Consumer-Facing Privacy App
Midcentury Labs is also launching a consumer-facing application that allows individuals to securely connect accounts, manage data permissions, and monetize their data through interactive data-sharing quests. The financial-grade interface ensures transparency, enabling users to participate in AI development while safeguarding their personal information.
With AI-driven services increasingly reliant on vast amounts of data, Synghal’s vision ensures a fair, transparent, and decentralized approach that shifts control away from centralized entities and puts power back into the hands of individuals.
A Recognized Leader in Ethical AI & Privacy
Beyond his technical expertise, Synghal is a recognized thought leader in AI ethics and data privacy. He recently served as a judge at the MIT Media Lab’s prestigious Sundai.Club Snowstorm Hackathon, where he evaluated privacy-first AI projects alongside industry experts from MIT and leading tech organizations. The event underscored the urgent need for decentralized privacy solutions, reinforcing Synghal’s commitment to making AI development secure and ethical.
His influence extends beyond industry innovation. Synghal has also contributed to academic research on racial and gender biases in venture capital funding, shedding light on the need for inclusivity in tech funding. His research has been referenced in policy discussions on democratizing access to venture capital.
From Lucknow to New York: A Visionary’s Journey
Born and raised in Lucknow, India, Synghal’s journey is one of determination, education, and impact. As the son of a single mother, he witnessed firsthand how access to education and technology can transform lives. This experience fueled his ambition to use AI and blockchain to create opportunities for underserved communities.
A graduate of Stanford University, Synghal began his career at Amazon, where he played a pivotal role in optimizing checkout workflows and personalization strategies for millions of users. Today, at Midcentury Labs, he is pushing the boundaries of privacy-preserving AI, blockchain, and ethical tech.
Midcentury Labs: Leading the Future of Private AI Data
Midcentury Labs is on a mission to revolutionize private data aggregation for AI. By leveraging decentralized networks, the company is building an ethical AI ecosystem where individuals are rewarded for their data contributions while maintaining complete control over their privacy.
The company projects significant user growth, with a goal of onboarding one million users by 2026. The decentralized marketplace is also expected to unlock billions of dollars in data value, allowing AI developers to access high-quality datasets at a fraction of the current cost while maintaining ethical data practices.
As the platform prepares for launch later this year, Synghal and his team are setting new industry standards for secure data marketplaces. Their work is gaining traction among AI developers, blockchain innovators, and privacy-focused researchers, making Midcentury a driving force in the future of ethical AI.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Decentralized AI
As AI regulation tightens and global privacy concerns escalate, decentralized AI development is poised to become the standard. Industry leaders are already recognizing the potential of privacy-preserving AI, and Synghal envisions a future where individuals have complete sovereignty over their data, choosing when and how it is used for innovation.
“With decentralized AI, we are building a future where AI can thrive without compromising individual rights,” says Synghal. “This is just the beginning of a global shift toward ethical, privacy-first technology.”
For more information, visit www.midcentury.xyz.
