Why I’m Betting on Universal Play Income (Not Universal Basic Income)

In today’s world, with all the buzz around AI, automation, and the future of work, many have turned to Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential solution to economic disruption. But I believe there's a better way forward - one that doesn’t just hand out money, but invites people to play, create, and experiment with the tools of tomorrow.

Welcome to the idea of Universal Play Income (UPI) - a mindset shift that encourages active engagement with emerging technologies instead of passive support.

The Problem with Universal Basic Income

UBI is based on a noble idea: provide financial support so that people can live with dignity, especially as automation and AI threaten traditional jobs. But here’s the issue - I believe UBI promotes passivity. It assumes that without traditional work, people won’t have meaningful ways to contribute.

That’s a dangerous assumption. We need more creators, builders, and experimenters, not fewer. If AI is going to reshape the world, people should be active participants in that transformation - not passive spectators.

What Is Universal Play Income?

Universal Play Income flips the script. It’s not about giving people money for doing nothing - it’s about incentivizing people to play, test, and explore with AI and other transformative technologies. It’s about creating an environment where failure is not feared, but embraced as part of the learning and creative process.

I ran a real-world experiment to prove it.

The Experiment: Paying People to Play with AI

I offered people money - literally wired cash - just to use AI tools and create something. And what happened? They doubled the budget I expected. Of course, my wife had her concerns—this wasn’t exactly a risk-free experiment.

But here’s what I learned: when people are given a safe, playful space to experiment with new tools, they engage, they learn, and they get creative. It wasn’t about ROI or profits - it was about shifting behaviors.

That’s where real transformation happens.

Play as a Catalyst for Innovation

So often, we focus on outcomes: productivity, efficiency, profits. But we forget that innovation starts with play—the freedom to experiment, to tinker, and to fail without consequence.

I saw this firsthand in an experiment I ran years ago. I gave people just $5 and asked them to create or outsource something meaningful. That small investment unlocked massive creativity. People started seeing themselves as innovators, not just workers.

That’s the magic of Universal Play Income. It reframes innovation as part of identity, not just a job title.

From Risk to Identity Shift

When I received resistance, like "Why are you giving away money?", it missed the point entirely. This isn’t about financial ROI. It’s about creating a cultural shift. It’s about making engagement with AI and tech as normal as checking email. It's about showing that everyone—not just developers or tech companies - can contribute to the future.

When people see themselves as creators, when they experiment for fun, workplace cultures transform. Innovation becomes inclusive, and play becomes a tool for empowerment.

The Future: A Culture That Embraces Play

Imagine a world where companies don’t just hire for skills - they fund experimentation. Where governments and organizations don’t just offer support—they inspire creativity. Where people don’t fear technology but are empowered to play with it.

That’s the world Universal Play Income envisions. And trust me, it’s not utopian - it’s practical, scalable, and deeply rooted in something inherently human: the desire to learn through play.

Final Thoughts: Bring the Power of Play to Your Next Event

If this idea of Universal Play Income sparked something in you, imagine what it could do for your team, your organization, or your entire industry. In my keynotes, I unpack bold, actionable strategies to help people embrace technology through curiosity, creativity, and, yes, play.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.