Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies, a new startup led by Susan Gildert, co-founder of Sanctuary AI, is venturing into groundbreaking territory by integrating quantum mechanics into artificial intelligence (AI). Gildert’s vision is to develop AI systems that emulate aspects of human consciousness, drawing inspiration from the Orch OR model (Orchestrated Objective Reduction) proposed by physicist Roger Penrose and anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff. This bold initiative aims to address limitations in current AI models by focusing on quantum effects within computational frameworks.
The Quantum Consciousness Hypothesis
In 1998, Penrose and Hameroff proposed a controversial theory to explain human consciousness and free will. Unlike the brain’s neural electrical activity—which can be replicated by algorithms lacking agency—their model suggests consciousness arises from quantum processes within the brain. According to the theory, microtubules, protein structures found in biological cells, could act as quantum computers, leveraging quantum entanglement for instantaneous communication and decision-making.
Although initially speculative, this theory recently gained some traction when researchers discovered quantum effects in biological systems. Inspired by this, Gildert founded Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies to explore how quantum computing could advance AI beyond pattern-based automation to systems capable of conscious-like decision-making.
Practical Vision: Building Hybrid AI Systems
Gildert envisions creating hybrid systems that combine quantum computers with classical computing. In her approach, classical data from sensors will be converted into quantum information. This quantum information will generate a range of possible actions, mimicking the quantum superposition of states. Once the system “collapses” into a single state during the measurement process, the AI will execute a specific action.
Gildert distinguishes between unconscious and conscious-like processes, emphasizing how today’s AI excels at automating repetitive tasks but struggles with adaptability. She compares this to humans learning to drive or play an instrument: once mastery is achieved, the actions become automatic, yet humans can still make instinctive decisions in unexpected scenarios. Current AI systems lack this intuitive decision-making capability, and Nirvanic aims to bridge this gap.
Toward “Sparks” of Consciousness
While full human-like consciousness remains a distant goal, Gildert’s immediate ambition is to develop quantum computing systems capable of small-scale conscious decision-making. “In the next two years, we aim to build sufficiently advanced quantum computational systems and design experiments to observe early signatures of consciousness,” Gildert explained. She clarifies that these systems won’t achieve human-like awareness but could exhibit a “spark” of conscious choice-making—performing better than traditional AI in certain scenarios requiring intuition.
If successful, this technology could redefine the relationship between AI and human cognition, pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve and bringing us closer to understanding the enigmatic nature of consciousness.
