Darren Zal
Entrepreneur · Activist · Cosmo-localist
Focused on large-scale systems transformation to address interconnected global challenges and facilitate a flourishing future for life on Earth.
Summary
I am an entrepreneur, activist, and cosmo-localist with a strong background in software development, token engineering, and systems architecture. My work spans emerging technologies and regenerative economic models, with a focus on leveraging AI, web3, and decentralized finance to cultivate living, resilient ecosystems. I thrive at the intersection of technology, environmental stewardship, and economic innovation—building and implementing solutions that align with the principles of living systems.
Areas of Expertise
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AI & Software Architecture
Building interoperable AI agents, designing complex decentralized systems, and integrating advanced technologies with ecological objectives. -
Regenerative Finance & Token Engineering
Developing token-economic models, leading regenerative finance bootcamps, and enabling community-driven economies. -
Systems Design & Implementation
Bridging cutting-edge technology with environmental conservation, from forest stewardship frameworks to digital governance systems. -
Blockchain & Web3
Applying decentralized networks to empower open value flows, community currencies, and local/regional economic resilience. -
Consulting & Implementation
End-to-end project delivery—from requirements gathering to product deployment—especially in tax, finance, and benefits solutions.
Professional Experience
Founder & AI Developer
Gaia AI · Permanent Full-time
November 2024 – Present
- Role: Co-founder leading core development and system design for a guild of interoperable AI agents that work alongside humans to solve systemic challenges, particularly in ecological and economic domains.
- Impact: Created frameworks and tools for collective sensemaking and action, integrating technology, humanity, and nature into the Symbiocene.
Key Skills: AI Software, Software Architecture, Creative Design, Tokenization, Environmental Economics
System Architect
Kwaxala · Permanent Half-time
June 2024 – Present (9 months)
- Role: Founding team member designing innovative technologies and strategies for protecting and regenerating forests. Architected the “Living Forest” investment system that aligns economic growth with environmental preservation.
- Impact: Transforming at-risk forests into legally protected areas stewarded by Indigenous communities. Leveraging technology to create profitable living forests that generate income from ecosystem services while promoting ecological balance.
Key Skills: Software Architecture, System Architecture, Tokenization, Finance, Environmental Economics
Token Engineer
Longtail Financial · Permanent Part-time
January 2022 – October 2023 (1 year 10 months)
- Role: Researched and simulated token-economic systems for web3, co-created and mentored an 8-week Regenerative Finance Bootcamp.
- Impact: Guided aspiring builders in designing regenerative economic models and practical implementations, expanding the reach and effectiveness of web3 solutions.
Key Skills: Regenerative Design, Web3, Economic Modeling, Token Engineering, Teaching
Software Developer (Freelance)
Grassroots Economics
July 2021 – December 2021 (6 months)
- Role: Contributed open-source software solutions enabling communities to create and manage their own currencies.
- Impact: Supported grassroots economic resilience by providing metrics dashboards and data analytics tools that communities could adapt and deploy.
Key Skills: Data Analytics, Dashboard Metrics, Open-Source Software, Cryptocurrency, Economic Research
Implementation Consultant
Fast Enterprises, LLC · Permanent Full-time
July 2015 – June 2021 (6 years)
- Role: Delivered software solutions for provincial/state revenue projects (BC, Alaska, Vermont), including tax legislation and COVID relief benefits.
- Responsibilities:
- Gathered requirements, defined scope, conducted live demos, and managed deployments.
- Extended proprietary software using VB.NET to meet project-specific needs.
- Developed complex reports and optimized batch/data warehouse processes using SQL.
- Impact: Improved efficiency and accuracy in public sector revenue and benefits disbursement systems, enabling faster, more reliable service for citizens.
Key Skills: Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET), Software Implementation, SQL, Consulting, Financial Software
Education
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Physics & Computer Science
McGill University — 2014
Additional Interests
- Open Value Networks & Community Currencies
- Commoning & Cosmo-localism
- Cyber-Physical Systems & Digital Twins
- Flow Accounting & Living Systems Economics
- Global Coordination & Metacrisis Response
Connect
- GitHub: github.com/DarrenZal
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zaldarren/
- Twitter: twitter.com/zaldarren