Deep Thinkers & Builders in Tech, Science and Bio
A list of the most thought-provoking minds, communities, and organizations at the intersection of deep tech, science, and philosophy. These are the people & initiatives rethinking the future...
I’m breathless every now and then when I meet founders who are literally changing the world! In the ever-evolving realms of technology, science, and biotechnology, I learned that many of them team up with organizations that stand out as beacons of innovation and progress. Their relentless pursuit of knowledge and transformative ideas propels humanity forward, crafting a future rich with possibility and support bold-thinking founders to act on their ideas 🤔
I want to highlight a few remarkable, deep-thinking organizations that create the kind of environment where builders can experiment, reflect, and shape our world through breakthrough innovation — pushing beyond what’s theoretically possible. These communities dive deep into psychology, history, philosophy, and economics — trying to make sense of the past and imagine the future in ways only a few dare to 💪
American Alchemy — the most heretical thinkers/ideas of our time
Jesse Michels is the visionary behind “American Alchemy,” a platform dedicated to exploring unconventional thinkers and groundbreaking ideas. Through engaging weekly videos, Michels delves into topics that challenge the status quo, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary issues. His commitment to highlighting heretical thinkers fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, encouraging audiences to question and rethink established norms.
YouTube link.
X profile.
Newlab: A Nexus for Critical Tech Startups
Founded in 2016 from the remnants of a naval shipyard (you have to check it out! 🤓), Newlab has transformed into a thriving hub for over 250 critical technology startups. This venture platform is dedicated to supporting companies that are building a sustainable future. They provide access to infrastructure, pilot programs, and capital, and Newlab basically accelerates the growth of startups poised to make significant societal impacts. Their holistic approach ensures that innovative ideas are nurtured from early conception to realization, fostering a community where technology meets purpose. This is absolutely mission-driven organization that has made huge impact on the world (apropos impact, download their newest Impact Report here 🙃)
Website link.
Astera Institute: Funding Revolutionary Science and Technology
The Astera Institute stands at the forefront of empowering high-leverage science and technology projects with the potential to transform human civilization. By incubating ambitious ideas in their super super early stages👶, Astera seeks to effect systemic change through entrepreneurial experimentation. Their focus on overlooked areas and investment in founders capable of initiating groundbreaking initiatives exemplifies their commitment to driving transformative progress. Brave and impactful!
Abundance Institute: Advocating for an Abundant Future
The Abundance Institute is dedicated to building a future characterized by abundance rather than scarcity. They emphasize the importance of incentivizing innovation, particularly in fields like quantum technology and nanotechnology, to unleash productivity gains across various sectors. Through insightful articles and a huge (but thoughtful) network, the institute advocates for embracing technological advancements that can lead to a more prosperous and equitable world. (I wrote an short piece about the abundance and scarcity of humanity here).
The Roots of Progress: Chronicling Technological Advancement
Founded by Jason Crawford, “The Roots of Progress” is a platform that delves into the history of technology and the philosophy of progress. With over 38,000 subscribers, this initiative offers a digest of posts exploring how technological advancements have shaped society. By understanding the roots of progress, readers are inspired to appreciate the innovations that have propelled humanity forward and to contemplate the future trajectory of technological development. The past, present, and future are undoubtedly connected — a continuum, though not necessarily one of similarity. Let’s embrace what’s coming with curiosity and excitement!
Jason Crawford — link to profile.
Check their ‘Progress Conference’👇
Progress Conference 2025 → A four-day event to connect people & ideas in the progress movement. October 16-19, 2025 in Berkeley, California
New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA): Reindustrializing America
NAIA is a coalition of innovative builders, founders, institutional capital, and senior government officials dedicated to reindustrializing America. Their mission centers on boosting funding and resources to fuel techno-industrial growth while removing barriers to building and innovation.
By advocating for deregulation and increased investment in strategic sectors, NAIA aims to revitalize American industry and strengthen critical supply chains. As an investor, I strongly support this initiative and advocate for greater collaboration between business, technology, and government!
The Digital Economist: Merging Tech & Economics
Mission: Driving Technological Convergence Toward a Human-Centered Digital Economy
The Digital Economist is a global impact ecosystem focused on building insights, products, services, and programs aimed at improving human and planetary outcomes. By applying scientific rigor to ambitious concepts, they guide projects through uncertain terrains, convening top global experts to support endeavors that aim to substantially and sustainably enhance well-being. Their mission underscores the importance of integrating technology with economics to drive meaningful change because abundance and growth can go along ethics and sustainability. We can have it all! 😌
Aurelia Institute: Pioneering Space Architecture
It’s time to scale up life in space.
You think we will embrace space within our timeline?🛸 Good because the Aurelia Institute is a nonprofit space architecture R&D lab, education and outreach center, and policy hub dedicated to doing just that and building our humanity’s future in space. As we stand on the brink of becoming a spacefaring species, Aurelia offers near-term innovation and community-building in support of a long-term vision for an in-space society. Their efforts encompass developing foundational infrastructure for space habitation and making space accessible to all people.
The Institute: Advancing Human Progress
The Institute is a public-benefit thinktank and both a global collective and a physical space.
It is a public benefit corporation with a philanthropic mission committed to contributing positively to humanity. They believe in the power of ideas, and the need to act. It is a diverse community of action-oriented individuals translating leading thoughts into tangible results for the public good. By facilitating open dialogue and collaboration across disciplines, The Institute challenges conventional thinking (!) and seeks new approaches to the world’s most pressing problems 🧰 Their commitment to advancing human progress is evident in their initiatives that span quite various fields of expertise so everyone can find some inspiring project within the organization.
SETI Institute: Exploring Life Beyond Earth
The SETI Institute is a nonprofit research organization wholly dedicated to searching for life in the universe🔭. From microbes to alien intelligence, the institute’s scientists investigate the nature of the universe and the prevalence of life beyond Earth.
Their pioneering research and public outreach efforts bring humanity closer to answering the profound question of whether we are alone in the cosmos. Come over for a movie screening they organize on a regular basis. This week they will be screening Interstellar (2014) 📽️
Franck Marchis — Director of Citizen Science at the SETI Institute.
The Society Library — A Library of Society’s Ideas, Ideologies, & World-Views
The Society Library 📚 is a digital archive dedicated to preserving and comparing humanity’s ideas, ideologies, and world-views, with a focus on social, political, and religious perspectives. It aims to help future generations better understand and critically engage with these concepts, which shape human rights, governance, industry, and relationships. By centralizing this knowledge, the library seeks to counteract filter bubbles and biases, fostering a culture of open-mindedness and informed decision-making in an era where the internet plays a major role in shaping beliefs. They want to contribute to a culture of free and open minds by making humanity’s ideologies and world-views easier to consume; in scope and depth. If you are interested in volunteering, check their profile.
The New Atlantis: Integrating Science and Humanity
Our aim is a culture in which science and technology work for, not on, human beings.
“The New Atlantis” is a journal committed to building a culture in which science and technology work for, not on, human beings. Through thoughtful articles and projects, they explore the ethical, philosophical, and social dimensions of technological advancement, ensuring that human values remain at the core of scientific progress. This is one of my very favorite!
Antikythera - Redefining Planetary Computation
Antikythera is a think tank reorienting planetary computation as a philosophical, technological, and geopolitical force. The think tank deploys design research to develop scenarios and thought experiments that advance the philosophy of technology.
Antikythera takes its name from the first known computer ー the antikythera mechanism ー which was an instrument for planetary orientation, navigation, prediction, and planning. The name serves as inspiration for investigations of computational technologies that reveal and accelerates planetary intelligence. Antikythera researches the past, present, and future of planetary computation, developing scenarios through interdisciplinary Studios, Lectures, Salons and Books with partners across academia, industry, and civil society. Contributors are vastly interdisciplinary and work across design, technology, philosophy, engineering, international relations, social sciences, art and the humanities.
Antikythera was founded in 2022 and is directed by philosopher of technology Benjamin Bratton. Antikythera is based at the Berggruen Institute, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with offices in Los Angeles, Beijing, and Venice.
Check their latest “What is Intelligence?” project, led by Blaise Agüera y Arcas. By examining the intersections of artificial intelligence and human cognition, this initiative provides insights into the nature of intelligence 👀 and the future of human-AI collaboration. Read here.
Foundation for American Innovation: Bridging Technology & Governance
The Foundation for American Innovation 🇺🇸 is a collective of technologists and policy entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing a more perfect union between technology and the American republic. FAI focuses on issues at the intersection of innovation, governance, and national security, hosting amazing and insightful events across the country to engage communities in discussions about the future of technology and policy.
X, The Moonshot Factory: Pioneering Radical Innovation
Formerly known as Google X, X is the research and development facility founded by Google in 2010. Often referred to as a “moonshot factory,”😉 X’s mission is to invent and launch “moonshot” technologies that aim to make the world a radically better place. A moonshot, as defined by X, is the intersection of (1) a big problem, (2) a radical solution, and (3) breakthrough technology.
Under the leadership of Astro Teller, X has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking projects such as self-driving cars, internet-beaming balloons, and glucose-sensing contact lenses.
Astro Teller profile.
FII Institute: Advancing Impact-Driven Innovation
The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and a singular agenda: Impact on Humanity. Established in 2017, the FII Institute has evolved into a platform that brings together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address pressing challenges in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics🤖🩶, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability. By fostering collaborations and investing in innovative solutions, the FII Institute aims to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all 🙏
Schmidt Futures: Betting on Exceptional Minds
Supporting projects at the intersection of science and technology.
Founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2017, Schmidt Futures is a philanthropic initiative that bets early on exceptional people making the world better. The organization funds science and technology research, focusing on talent networking programs and large-scale “moonshots.” With offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and London, Schmidt Futures is committed to driving innovation and addressing global challenges through strategic philanthropy. These organizations exemplify the spirit of innovation and the drive to harness technology for the greater good. Their efforts not only push the boundaries of what’s possible but also ensure that technological advancements serve humanity’s best interests!
Foresight Institute: Advancing Transformative Technologies for Humanity
Founded in 1986, the Foresight Institute is a leading think tank dedicated to accelerating the development of breakthrough technologies that can profoundly shape the future of humanity. Focused on areas like AI safety, molecular nanotechnology, space exploration, and longevity, the institute brings together scientists, technologists, and visionaries to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Through research initiatives, policy discussions, and collaborative workshops, Foresight ensures that these emerging technologies are developed ethically and strategically to maximize their positive impact on civilization. Check out their Salons. I participated in a few and it’s always a collection of a divers and brightest minds🧠 of SF.
Human Progress: Documenting Humanity’s Technological & Economic Growth
A project of the Cato Institute, Human Progress is an online platform that chronicles the extraordinary advancements humanity has made in science, technology, and well-being. By highlighting data-driven stories of progress, it challenges pessimistic narratives and showcases how innovation, free markets, and open societies have led to unprecedented prosperity. As an optimist and idealist, it speaks to me obviously! 🤓 From breakthroughs in medicine to improvements in global living standards, Human Progress provides a compelling case for why human ingenuity continues to shape a brighter future.
Website link.
Institute for Humane Studies: Supporting Scholars to Advance Liberty
Based at George Mason University, the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) is dedicated to fostering intellectual exploration in classical liberalism, free-market economics, and individual rights. Through academic grants, fellowships, and research programs, IHS empowers scholars and students who seek to advance a deeper understanding of liberty. By connecting thought leaders across disciplines, the institute helps cultivate ideas that influence policy, law, and economic thought, ensuring that freedom remains at the heart of intellectual discourse.
Website link
Institute for Progress: Shaping Policy to Accelerate Innovation
A THINK TANK FOR ACCELERATING SCIENTIFIC, TECHNOLOGICAL, AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS
The Institute for Progress (IFP) is a research-driven organization committed to crafting policies that enable rapid advancements in science, technology, and industrial growth. By advocating for strategic reforms in biotechnology, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and R&D funding, IFP removes bureaucratic hurdles that slow down innovation. Their work ensures that groundbreaking ideas move from research labs to real-world applications faster, creating a regulatory environment where scientific progress and economic expansion can thrive.
If you’re a science nerd that can’t help but question why we do things the way we do and wonder what interventions might move the needle, I strongly recommend the Metascience 101 podcast series. I love the thoughtful analysis from folks at IFP and their deep commitment to making an impact.
“Metascience 101” — a nine-episode set of interviews is like a crash course in the debates, issues, and ideas driving the modern metascience movement. They investigate why building a genuine “science of science” matters, and how research in metascience is translating into real-world policy changes.
The episodes will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and right here in Substack.
Works in Progress: A Platform for Bold Ideas & Scientific Inquiry
Works in Progress (very cool logo, isn’t it?!) is an independent publication dedicated to exploring the intersection of science, technology, and economic growth. By featuring essays, in-depth research, and commentary from leading thinkers, the magazine dig deep into bold ideas about progress and development. Covering topics from industrial policy to scientific breakthroughs, Works in Progress provides a thought-provoking space for discussions on how to accelerate human advancement and build a future driven by innovation.
Website link
Cato Institute: Advancing Free Markets & Policy Innovation
Founded in 1977, the Cato Institute is a leading libertarian think tank dedicated to promoting individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. Through rigorous economic research, policy analysis, and advocacy, Cato champions pro-innovation policies that drive entrepreneurship, technological progress, and global economic growth. The institute publishes influential studies, hosts thought-provoking events, and engages policymakers to remove barriers to prosperity. With a strong emphasis on data-driven solutions, Cato plays a crucial role in shaping policies that foster economic dynamism and human flourishing.
Website link
Freethink: Showcasing the Innovators Shaping Our Future
Freethink is a media company that tells the stories of visionary thinkers, entrepreneurs, and scientists who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible (anything, right?!). Through compelling documentaries and in-depth reporting, Freethink highlights disruptive ideas and groundbreaking technologies that are changing industries, societies, and the way we live. By focusing on optimism, ingenuity, and bold action, the platform inspires audiences to rethink conventional wisdom and engage with the future of progress. Check thier prediction about AI and the next 25 years!
Website link
Foundation for Economic Education: Cultivating Economic Literacy for Innovation
The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) is one of the oldest (and classy👔)organizations dedicated to teaching the principles of free markets, entrepreneurship, and individual responsibility. Through workshops, digital content, and educational programs, FEE equips students and young professionals with the knowledge to navigate and shape a dynamic global economy. By promoting an understanding of sound economic principles, the institute fosters a generation of leaders and innovators who can drive technological and business advancements in a rapidly evolving world.
Website link
Future of Life Institute: Safeguarding Humanity from Existential Threats
The Future of Life Institute (FLI) is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing existential risks posed by advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and autonomous weapons.
🤖 🧠 💻 🛠️ ⚙️ 📡 🤯 🧬 🔬 🤓 🛰️ 🚀 👾 🤝 🤯 🗺️
By funding critical research, advocating for policy safeguards, and facilitating discussions among experts, FLI ensures that innovation progresses responsibly. The institute’s work helps prevent unintended consequences of rapid technological development while maximizing the benefits of AI, life sciences, and other transformative fields for future generations.
Website link.
The Long Now Foundation
The Long Now Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco dedicated to fostering long-term thinking and responsibility over the next 10,000 years. Founded in 1996 by a group including Stewart Brand and Brian Eno, the foundation explores deep time through projects like the 10,000 Year Clock and the Rosetta Project. It hosts talks, seminars, and initiatives aimed at encouraging a broader perspective on the future of civilization. I’m a proud member of this organization and I very much hope to see at one of the events in The Interval 🍷🍷
Good Science Project: Strengthening the Foundations of Scientific Research
The Good Science Project 🧭 is dedicated to improving the way scientific research is funded, evaluated, and conducted. By advocating for more efficient grant processes, institutional reforms, and alternative funding mechanisms, the organization aims to remove systemic obstacles that slow down scientific progress. Through collaborations with policymakers, researchers, and institutions, the Good Science Project works to create a research ecosystem that is more innovative, responsive, and impactful in addressing global challenges.
Website link.
Lex Friedman: A contemplative architect of insight, bridging thought & technology in the search for deeper truths
And last, but certainly not least, Lex Fridman — a quiet force peeling back the layers of consciousness, decoding the patterns of thought, pain, love, and logic in some of the most complex minds on this planet. Through long form moments of vulnerability and reason, he explores the souls of the most enigmatic minds on Earth… and perhaps prepares us to understand the ones that lie beyond. This one sometimes is mind-blowing, so get ready!
Website link.
YouTube link.
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