Introduction

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Cryonics is a groundbreaking technology that, although featured in many science fiction films, is entirely true. Such innovative technology has changed the game regarding the biggest fear of humanity: Death. By preserving the bodies of people pronounced legally dead at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C), cryonicists believe that in the (distant) future, advances in medicine will allow for the curing of diseases or injuries and the revival of cryopreserved patients. Robert Ettinger established this proposal when the science of Cryobiology was still in its infancy in 1964 in his book "The Prospect of Immortality."

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Despite the controversial arguments that cryonics raises, the only certainty is that its advocates are numerous. Although we don't know whether reanimation is possible, longevity researchers believe it is a viable alternative to increase the human lifespan. Cryonicists believe that aging is a disease, and like many others whose healing seemed like science fiction, it may be curable. And if the cost seems high, you can cryopreserve just your brain. And the best part: Wouldn't it be wonderful when you wake up from your cryonic sleep to have your lovely fluffy fellow with you?

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Let's discover the history behind the pillars of cryonics, the organizations that not only strive to provide the best possible cryopreservation services but also push the boundaries of research and development in the technologies through which they will achieve this. 

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Alcor Life Extension Foundation 

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Eight years after the publication of "Prospect of Immortality” in the far 1972, the idea of cryonics took shape with the establishment of the first cryonics organization. The Alcor Society for Solid State Hypothermia was founded by the cryonicists Frederick and Linda Chamberlains, and the first cryonic suspension – Frederick’s father – was performed in 1976.

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The name “Alcor” is derived from a star that was so bright that was used for clear vision, an analogy that embraces the proponents of cryonics. The basic principles of the organization are its non-profit character, its technological orientation, and its conservative fiscal management. In 1977 Alcor Society for Solid State Hypothermia was renamed Alcor Life Extension Foundation. 

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Its members to date reach 1417, while cryopreserved patients are 205. Among the most famous subscribers are the baseball star Ted Williams and his son John Henry – both already suspended –while, among the active members, Charles Matthau – son of the actor Walter –, Ray Kurzweil, and Eric Drexler. Among them, almost 100 animals are cryopreserved!

Ted Williams: The famous Cryopreserved baseball player

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Cryonics Institute

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In 1966, Robert Ettinger gave birth to the Cryonics Societies of California and Michigan – with Ettinger being elected president of the latter. On April 4, 1976, the father of cryonics transformed the company he presided over into two organizations, the Cryonics Institute and the Immortalist Society, which is primarily intended for educational and research purposes. The first patient to be cryopreserved by Ettinger – in 1977 – was his mother, Rhea, while Ettinger died at 92 in July 2011 and was promptly subjected to the cryopreservation procedures he promoted. 

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Cryonics Institute’s facility in Clinton Township, Michigan, houses so far 240 patients and 239 pets in biostasis, while 1940 members have signed up for a cryopreservation contract, according to their Member Statistics. 

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Tomorrow Bio 

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‍2019

Tomorrow Bio was founded in 2019 by Dr. Emil Kendziorra, a doctor who spent several years in cancer research with the aim of extending the human life span. Dr. Kendziorra believes that aging is a disease and every individual should be able to choose when they want to die. However, he realized the slow pace of medical advancements in longevity and altered his focus to Cryopreservation. A year later, Fernando Azevedo Pinheiro, an experienced entrepreneur, joined as co-founder and COO. 

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2020

Tomorrow Bio incorporated its own Medical Equipment

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In 2020, Tomorrow Bio established its medical equipment. This includes the ambulance, as well as further medical equipment found in a hospital. In addition to this, procured equipment specialized for cryopreservation procedures, such as perfusion and cooling systems.

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2021 

Tomorrow Bio acquired its first memberships

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In January 2021, Tomorrow Bio officially launched the sign-up process exclusively for European residents. Initially, the membership was 1-2 per month, reaching 

to date about 350, and is affiliated with more than 24 countries and 52 cities in Europe, with one patient cryopreserved and aspirations of expansion to the United States. 

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2022

Tomorrow Bio launched the Fellow Program and Improved its Online Presence

In 2022, Tomorrow Bio launched its Fellow Program, which gives the opportunity to individuals interested in Cryonics to support research with a really small membership. It also set up its Discord server and updated its website, maintaining a user-friendly interface. 

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European Biostasis Foundation (EBF)

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Alongside Tomorrow Bio, the non-profit organization European Biostasis Foundation (EBF) was founded by Dr. Emil Kenziorra, who is the President of the Board, and five other individuals in Basel, Switzerland. 

In 2021 EBF finished the construction of the storage facility in Rafz, Switzerland.  Since the EBF is a Swiss foundation, it is governed by strict laws and is also subject to oversight by a Swiss government agency makes sure the foundation never alters its goals or objectives. The EBF's statutes and bylaws (such as the self-amending board and voting quorums) were designed to maximize stability. Furthermore, EBF's location geographically places it in a region with little risk of experiencing any kind of natural disaster.

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Since its establishment, EBF organized Biostasis conferences with scientists from different disciplines, spreading awareness about topics related to Cryonics. 

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The first conference, Biostasis2020, was held in October 2020  and streamed online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In October 2021, the Biostasis2021 conference at the Careum Auditorium in Zurich. With more than 100 attendants on-site and 1000 online,  it was a valuable event to bring the Biostasis research community together.

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In October 2022, Biostasis2022 took place in Rafz, Switzerland at the European Biostasis Foundation's new facility for biostasis research and the long-term storage of cryopreserved patients. 

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CryoPets

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CryoPets was founded in January 2022 by Kai Mica Mills in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kai is an owner of a cat, which was the main motivation for him to found a company that specializes in Pet - Cryopreservation, acknowledging that not only humans but every living entity deserves a second chance at life as it has its own unique character and memories. 

Kai aims in the future to provide Human - Cryopreservation as well. 

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If you want to learn more about CryoPets, consider checking out the interview between Kai and Emil, the CEO of Tomorrow Bio.

Interview: Kai Micah Mills On Pet Cryopreservation 

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Conclusion

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From the 1960s, when Ettinger conceived the concept of Cryopreservation, to the present day, Cryonics' journey through time is fascinating. Scientists around the world, enthralled by the idea that death is not an irreversible condition and deeply optimistic about the medical breakthroughs that are about to happen, founded cryonics organizations to implement this vision. 

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Alcor, Cryonics Institute, Tomorrow Bio, and CryoPets aim to spread awareness to people worldwide that Cryonics may be the medicine of the future that can benefit the patients of today while acknowledging the challenges of the field, pushing the boundaries in the Biostasis research. 

It is up to you to choose which organization suits you best. The most important factor to consider is the location. If you live in Europe, consider visiting TomorrowBio’s Website or, even better, schedule a consultation with our team. We are always happy talking with you. See you Tomorrow! 

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References

Manzocco, R. (2019) “Plan B,” in Transhumanism - Engineering the Human Condition: History, Philosophy and Current Status. Cham, Switzerlan: Springer. 

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