Today, material abundance surrounds us. We can fly to space or dive deep into the sea, but do we feel freer? We can savor cuisine from every corner of the world, but are we happier? How much of our world is reality, and how much is perception? When we entered our forties, we sought answers in philosophy and religion but realized that science might hold the key. 

Driven by curiosity and a desire to give back, we founded the Chen Institute to deepen humanity’s understanding of the brain and mind. Our mission: to alleviate suffering by exploring how the brain perceives, learns, and interacts with the world. 

Over nearly a decade, we have seen technology’s profound impact on discovery. Today, artificial intelligence is not just a tool—it is a catalyst, accelerating research and expanding what’s possible. Our focus now includes supporting those who leverage AI to advance neuroscience and all the life and physical sciences. 

As we look to the future, our ambition is to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence—not only to deepen our understanding of the brain and improve brain health, but also to pioneer the creation of human-like AI that can further enhance human intelligence. We invite scientists, innovators, and dreamers to join us on this journey. Together, we can illuminate the workings of the mind, diminish suffering, and unlock human potential for generations to come.