YHouse is a research institute and unique gathering space (“House”) based in Manhattan dedicated to accelerating our understanding of the nature of awareness through cutting- edge science, next-step technology, and multiple areas of thought and insight. YHouse aims to build a culture of open-minded rigor and a spirit of transdisciplinary inquiry that breaks free of the institutional barriers in academia and society. YHouse hosts, and will soon employ pioneering researchers and creators, driving progress on central “why?” questions of awareness (“Y”) – from the origins of life to neuroscience, artificial intelligence to society, and more.

YHouse integrates its research activities with a major program of public discourse, made possible by New York’s status as a hub of diversity, research, education, commerce, arts, and media. A key component of the YHouse culture is the recognition that the challenge of public discourse is as important for research progress as any internal dialogue. 

Since the fall of 2016, YHouse has run a vigorous and far-reaching program of weekly presentations, social events, dialogues, and workshops, combined with a high quality online media presence to stimulate and unite our core research efforts. A YHouse goal is to develop a public space—a café or salon—designed to attract the New York research and technology community, as well as the broader metropolitan population. Our ambition is to be a premier hub for activities addressing the fundamental phenomenon of awareness, the implications for human consciousness, human intelligence, and the human future.

YHouse is in the process of building an intellectual community spanning academia and the public domain. A key part of that effort takes place through the dissemination of ideas and the creation of opportunities for exchange and connection. YHouse employs a range of media and forums: from online news, blogs, social sites, and video resources, to professional publications, meetings, and collaboration with other institutions.

Examples of YHouse community building includes involvement with:

⇢ ISSA Summer School 2017 in Osaka
⇢ Conscious Machine Hackathon in Tokyo
⇢ Consciousness Club Tokyo