Dark Cave, Bright Mind: Mapping Neural and Phenomenological Effects of Dark Retreat Practice
Can extended periods of darkness facilitate profound self-reflection and transformation by disrupting habitual perception patterns? Could this “sober psychedelic” experience lead to insights similar to those induced by traditional psychedelics?
Unlikely Collaborators
Preventing Sociopathic Robots
Can we leverage vulnerability and homeostasis to encourage proxies for harm aversion, empathic concern and compassion to emerge in world-modeling AI?
Survival and Flourishing Fund + Foresight Institute + 🤫
Immersive Audiovisual Experiences: Effects on Well-being
How can immersive technology increase the efficacy of mood-altering content? How far can we take experiential technology for therapeutic applications?
Lumena, Inc. + U.S. Air Force
Assessing The Impact of an Audiovisual Experience on Mood States
Do stroboscopic visuals and binaural beats entrain brain states? What is the effect of a technodelic experience on EEG and autonomic activity?
IN.TO
Identifying Gradations of The Meditative Experience
Can we isolate individually-defined preferred states of meditation? Can we use neurofeedback to revisit those states at will?
Tiny Blue Dot Foundation + Institute for Meditation Brainwave Research
Neuromodulatory Induction of Meditative States
Can we use non-invasive neuromodulation to facilitate deep meditative states? Is it possible for novices to approach states achieved by experts?
Emulating Entheogens to Enhance Empathy
Can we use physio-responsive environments to safely promote ego dissolution, emotional breakthrough, and neural plasticity? Can an immersive infinity cube help break down our fundamental distinction between self and environment to update maladaptive beliefs?
Joy Ventures + Yosef Innovation Fund + Pursuing other funding opportunities