"... but I am quite a believer in possibility of Strong AI in near future (20-30 years) and I would like to try some things myself..."
If possible at all, then IMO yes, it may happen.
Although I'm afraid the 20-30 years is a mix between speed of HW (exponential) and SW (limited by smart humans adding small pieces every year) evolution, and the strong AI itself will be more like pure SW.
Well, what I would like to try is to use sort of genetic algorithm to develop "seed" AI SW. That might shortcurcuit those 100 years of dead ends...