What if death was not the end? What if, instead of saying our final goodbyes to loved ones, we could freeze their bodies and bring them back to life once medical technology has advanced enough to cure their fatal illnesses? This is the mission of Tomorrow Biostasis, a Berlin-based startup that specializes in cryopreservation.

Cryopreservation, also known as biostasis or cryonics, is the process of preserving a human body (or brain) in a state of suspended animation, with the hope that it can be revived in the future when medical technology has advanced enough to treat the original cause of death. This may seem like science fiction, but it is a legitimate scientific procedure, and Tomorrow Biostasis is one of the few companies in the world that offers this service.

Dr Emil Kendziorra, co-founder and CEO of Tomorrow Biostasis explained that the goal of cryopreservation is to extend life by preserving the body until a cure can be found for the original illness. He emphasized that cryopreservation is not a form of immortality, but rather a way to give people a second chance at life.

One of the most interesting aspects of cryopreservation is that it is legal in most European countries and is classified as a form of scientific body donation. In fact, donating your body to science is so popular that universities often charge a fee for the privilege. Cryopreservation is an extension of this idea, with the added hope of reviving the donor in the future.

Tomorrow Biostasis has already cryopreserved “about ten people” for training purposes, but the process is still in its early stages. There are many scientific challenges that must be overcome before cryopreservation can become a viable option for the general public. For example, the process of freezing and thawing a body can cause significant damage to the tissues and organs, making it difficult to revive the donor without causing further harm.

Another challenge is the issue of business continuity. Cryopreservation is a long-term investment, with the hope that the company will still be around decades or even centuries from now when the donor can be revived. This presents unique challenges for a startup, as the founders and early investors may not be around to ensure that the company remains solvent and continues to operate.

Despite these challenges, Tomorrow Biostasis is pushing ahead with its mission to extend life through cryopreservation. Dr Kendziorra and his team are passionate about their work and believe that cryopreservation has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about death and dying.

Tomorrow Biostasis is a fascinating startup that is challenging the conventional wisdom about death and offering a new hope for those facing terminal illnesses. While there are many scientific and practical challenges to overcome, the vision of cryopreservation is an intriguing one that may have profound implications for the future of humanity.

Their careers page is here.