Mind Emulation Foundation
Mind Emulation Foundation, formerly known as Connectomics Foundation, is a nonprofit organization launched in December 2017 that focuses on accelerating the path toward human mind emulation through scientific research.
Founding and History
The Mind Emulation Foundation, initially known as the Connectomics Foundation, was launched in December 2017. As a nonprofit organization, it has been active in the healthcare industry, specifically focusing on therapeutics. The foundation participated in Y Combinator's Winter 2018 batch, further establishing its mission to fund and conduct scientific research aimed at accelerating the path toward human mind emulation. The foundation has adopted both destructive and non-destructive approaches to achieve its goals.
Mission and Vision
The Mind Emulation Foundation's mission revolves around funding and conducting scientific research to expedite the development of technology needed for human mind emulation. This process aims to digitally emulate the unique aspects of an individual's mind. The foundation advocates for public support to ensure that mind emulation is accessible to everyone and is a considered option after death. Their efforts are detailed in a manifesto that encourages public engagement and support.
Research Focus
The Mind Emulation Foundation is deeply involved in connectomics, a subfield of neuroscience that focuses on mapping the comprehensive network of neural connections in the brain. They propose two approaches to mind emulation: a destructive method involving preservation, storage, scanning, and emulation post-biological death, and a non-destructive method using advancing MRI technology on living beings. The foundation estimates that the first human brain mapping for emulation could be possible by 2084.
Public Engagement and Education
The foundation actively encourages public support and engagement through various initiatives. The Mind Emulation Manifesto is available for public signing, advocating for funding and support toward their scientific research. Educational content, including TED Talks and discussions on connectomics and the technical challenges of mind emulation, is featured prominently to inform and engage the community. The foundation also addresses frequently asked questions about mind emulation and their research goals, providing a platform for public inquiries and contributions.
Donation and Support
The Mind Emulation Foundation offers a donation option through Donorbox for those who wish to support its mission. This nonprofit organization relies on public and private contributions to fund their ongoing research efforts in mind emulation and connectomics. They provide a straightforward way for donors to contribute to the advancement of their scientific endeavors and help make mind emulation accessible to everyone.