An AGI Sputnik moment is a hypothetical future event which demonstrates the feasibility of AGI in a dramatic and public way. It was coined by Ben Goertzel in describing strategies for attracting investors to AGI research.
The phrase refers to the successful launching of the Russian satellite Sputnik which demonstrated the possibility of space technology to the public. This event triggered the ensuing space race between America and the Soviet Union, leading to long-term funding of space projects from both governments. The analogy is not meant to imply government funding for AGI, only that the event convinces non-specialists of the practicality of AGI. Goertzel expressed desire towards this type of demonstration as a method of gaining funding for OpenCog, Goertzel's AGI project.