Future Center Ventures

**Themes**:

*   **AI**: Office hours with an AI researcher or startup founder.
*   **Blockchain**: Office hours with a blockchain developer or investor.
*   **Web3**: Office hours with a Web3 thought leader.
*   **Space Tech**: Office hours with a space tech entrepreneur.

**Format**:

*   Small-group or one-on-one sessions for personalized advice and mentorship.


The Launch Pad Office Hours

**Icebreakers**

**Activities**:

*   *“Two Truths and a Lie: Futuristic Edition”:* Share two real and one fake futuristic fact about yourself.
*   *“What’s Your Vision?”:* Share your vision for the future in 60 seconds.
*   *“Tech Trivia”:* Fun trivia questions about AI, blockchain, Web3, and space tech.

**Format**:


Ice-breakers

**Show-and-Tell Events**

**Themes**:

*   *“My Latest Project”:* Members showcase their work and receive feedback.
*   *“Cool Tools and Tech”:* Share your favorite tools, apps, or gadgets.
*   *“Lessons Learned”:* Present a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

**Format**:

*   Member-led presentations with Q\&A and discussion.


Futurenauts Show-and-Tell Events

**Scenarios**:

*   *“Pitch to Elon Musk”:* Members pitch their space tech ideas to a panel playing the role of Elon Musk and his team.
*   *“Negotiate with Peter Thiel”:* Members role-play negotiating a startup investment with Peter Thiel.
*   *“Advise Tim Draper”:* Members provide strategic advice to Tim Draper on emerging tech trends.
*   *“Collaborate with Steve Jurvetson”:* Members brainstorm futuristic ideas with Steve Jurvetson.
*   *“Consult Eric Schmidt”:* Members present AI strategies to Eric Schmidt.

**Format**:


Role-Playing

Highlight community members’ achievements and contributions.


Member Spotlights

**Themes**:

*   **AI**: *“Navigating the AI Arms Race: Risks and Solutions.”*
*   **Blockchain**: *“Crypto Crashes and Regulatory Challenges: What’s Next?”*
*   **Web3**: *“Security Breaches in Web3: How to Protect the Decentralized Future.”*
*   **Space Tech**: *“Space Debris Crisis: Can We Save Our Orbit?”*

**Format**:

*   Expert-led discussions with actionable takeaways.
*   Collaborative problem-solving sessions.


Crisis Meetings

**AMAs (Ask Me Anything)**

**Themes**:

*   **AI**: *“The Future of AI: Opportunities and Ethical Challenges”* with an AI ethics expert.
*   **Blockchain**: *“Beyond Crypto: Real-World Applications of Blockchain”* with a blockchain Futurenaut.
*   **Web3**: *“Decentralizing the Internet: What’s Next for Web3?”* with a Web3 developer.
*   **Space Tech**: *“The Commercial Space Race: What’s Ahead?”* with a space industry leader.

**Featured Guests**:

*   Elon Musk (SpaceX, Tesla)
*   Peter Thiel (Founders Fund, Palantir)
*   Tim Draper (Draper Associates)
*   Steve Jurvetson (Future Ventures)
*   Eric Schmidt (Former CEO of Google)


 AMAs (Ask Me Anything) 

Futurenaut´s Forge: Craft Your World, Shape Tomorrow

### Creative Exercises for Inventing the Future

Innovative thinking is key to success in any field. With the Inventing the Future course, you’ll gain the skills and tools you need to approach problems from new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and generate creative solutions. Whether you’re a strategic planner, researcher, policy maker, entrepreneur, or educator, this course will help you develop the creative confidence to tackle even the most complex challenges.

[“Your session was the most inspiring at the conference.” ](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e5d88060457825545de8ab1/t/5e603770e4fc8938f7a43f75/1583363962050/2018+Forum+Program.pdf)

**Dr. Nell Breyer**

Marshall Innovation Lab at Stanford University–[Host](https://www.markmwhelan.com/about/)

### Creative Exercises for Inventing the Future is divided into 3 phases:

[Embrace New Perspectives](https://futurecenter.trafft.com/services/creative-exercises-for-inventing-the-future)

[![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Triangle--300x300.png)](https://futurecenter.trafft.com/services/creative-exercises-for-inventing-the-future)

### Join us for a Creative Exercises for Inventing the Future Workshop and start creating the future you want.

**Section 1: Challenge Assumptions with Defamiliarisation**

Challenge your assumptions and see the world in a new light. In this phase, we’ll provide a series of exercises and prompts that will help you embrace the unfamiliar and generate fresh ideas.

*   Break Free from Conventional Thinking: Embrace the power of defamiliarisation to disrupt old thought patterns and unlock your creative genius.
*   Generate Fresh Ideas: Through guided exercises, you’ll gain the ability to generate innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
*   Expand Your Creative Boundaries: Discover new perspectives and creative avenues you never knew existed.

**Section 2: Embrace New Perspectives**

Embrace new perspectives by shifting your mindset and considering alternative viewpoints. We’ll guide you through exercises that encourage you to think outside the box and identify opportunities that others may have overlooked.

*   Foster a Growth Mindset: Learn how to welcome diverse perspectives and harness their potential to foster growth and innovation.
*   Uncover Hidden Opportunities: Open your mind to new possibilities and uncover opportunities that can lead to breakthrough solutions.
*   Collaborative Learning: Engage in group activities that encourage sharing and exploration of fresh ideas.

**Section 3: Create Innovative Solutions with Scenario Planning**

Apply new perspectives to scenario planning exercises for real-world solutions. Exercises include new digital currency, DAO, manifesto writing, and material discovery. Gain toolkit and network.

*   Future-Proof Your Vision: Develop strategic foresight and scenario planning skills to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
*   Hands-On Scenario Building: Tackle real-world challenges with exercises on creating new digital currencies, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and crafting impactful manifestos.
*   Network and Collaborate: Connect with like-minded individuals, experts, and innovators in the field, fostering a supportive environment for growth and learning.


Futurenaut's Forge

# the Needs of your Future Customers

### Innovate Today for a Better Future

“The future cannot be predicted because the future does not exist.”

However…

**Welcome to Future Design**, where we help you build the ideal products and services of the future. Our Design Thinking Sprint is an intensive workshop that guides you through the process of creating innovative solutions that meet the needs of tomorrow.

Our experienced facilitators will teach you the principles of Design Thinking, a creative problem-solving approach used by the most successful companies in the world. You’ll learn how to identify user needs, define problems, generate ideas, and prototype and test solutions.

In just a few days, you’ll work collaboratively with other like-minded individuals to create innovative products and services that address the challenges of tomorrow. Our program focuses on a range of industries, from healthcare to transportation, to ensure that you can create solutions that have a meaningful impact on society.

**At Future Design,** we believe in the power of innovation to shape the future. Our Design Thinking Sprint is designed to provide you with a unique opportunity to apply your creativity and skills towards building a better world.

### The workshop is divided into 3 phases

EMPATHIZE

The first stage involves gaining an understanding of the user’s needs and motivations through research, observation, and interviews.

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-30-at-18.40.53-300x300.png)

IDEATE

The second stage involves generating a wide range of potential solutions to the identified problem.

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-30-at-18.31.53-300x297.png)

FUTURE PROTOTYPE

The final stage involves creating a physical or digital prototype of the proposed solution and testing it with users.

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/for-teams-grow-faster-300x300.png)

### BENEFITS OF THE SPRINT

### By the end of the Future Designs Essentials sprint, you’ll have acquired a set of knowledge and skills that you’ll be able to use right away:

**Benefits:**

*   Improved problem-solving skills: Participants learn Design Thinking principles and techniques, allowing them to improve their problem-solving skills and approach complex challenges with confidence.
*   Enhanced creativity: The collaborative and iterative nature of the program encourages creativity and helps participants generate new and innovative ideas.
*   Practical application: The program teaches participants how to create and test prototypes, providing practical experience in bringing ideas to life.
*   Impactful solutions: By focusing on a range of industries and societal challenges, participants can create solutions that have a meaningful impact on society, contributing to a better future.
*   Community: Participants become part of a community of innovators who share a common goal of shaping the future through innovation and creativity.

### FORMAT

How you’ll learn:

The sprint is designed with you — a manager busy leading a team and hitting goals — in mind. You will spend 3 to 4 hours per week experiencing both synchronous and asynchronous learning. With weekly challenges designed to fit into your day-to-day, you can expect to see immediate results and get feedback from both your peers and instructors throughout the sprint.

**Features:**

*   **Intensive workshop:** The program is an intensive workshop designed to help participants create innovative solutions to meet the needs of tomorrow.
*   **Collaborative environment**: Participants work in a collaborative environment with like-minded individuals, facilitating creative problem-solving.
*   **Experienced facilitators**: The program is led by experienced facilitators who guide participants through the Design Thinking process and provide personalized feedback.
*   **Industry-focused**: The program focuses on a range of industries to ensure that participants can create solutions that have a meaningful impact on society.


Futurenaut´s Business Model Canvas

The culture of **Future Center** will be the foundation of its success. It will foster a space where members feel valued, inspired, and empowered to collaborate on shaping the future of technology. Below is a detailed plan to create a culture that is **welcoming, supportive, practical, deep, personal, honest, and egalitarian**.

***

### **1. Welcoming and Inclusive**

**Goal**: Ensure every member feels valued and included, regardless of background, expertise, or experience.

**Actions**:

*   **Onboarding Process**: Create a warm, personalized welcome message for new members, including a guide to the community and its values.
*   **Diversity and Inclusion**: Actively seek out members from diverse backgrounds, industries, and geographies to enrich perspectives.
*   **Icebreakers**: Start conversations with fun, low-pressure questions (e.g., “What’s one futuristic technology you’re excited about?”).
*   **Language**: Use inclusive language in all communications and encourage members to do the same.

**Example**:

*“Welcome to Future Center! We’re thrilled to have you here. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting to explore emerging tech, your voice matters. Let’s build the future together.”*

***

### **2. Supportive and Kind**

**Goal**: Foster a culture of mutual respect, encouragement, and kindness.

**Actions**:

*   **Community Guidelines**: Establish clear guidelines that emphasize respect, empathy, and constructive feedback.
*   **Celebrate Wins**: Create a space to share and celebrate member achievements, no matter how big or small.
*   **Mentorship Opportunities**: Pair members for peer-to-peer mentorship or knowledge-sharing.
*   **Kindness Reminders**: Regularly remind members to approach discussions with empathy and positivity.

**Example**:

*“In this community, we lift each other up. If someone shares an idea, offer constructive feedback, not criticism. Let’s create a safe space for innovation.”*

***

### **3. Practical and Actionable**

**Goal**: Ensure discussions and collaborations lead to tangible outcomes.

**Actions**:

*   **Action-Oriented Discussions**: Encourage members to share not just ideas but also actionable steps or solutions.
*   **Resource Sharing**: Create a repository of tools, templates, and resources to help members implement ideas.
*   **Workshops and Challenges**: Host regular events focused on solving real-world problems or building prototypes.
*   **Follow-Ups**: After discussions, summarize key takeaways and next steps to keep momentum going.

**Example**:

*“Let’s not just talk about the future—let’s build it. Share your ideas, but also your plans for action. What’s one step you can take today?”*

***

### **4. Goes Deep into Topics (Opportunities and Problems)**

**Goal**: Encourage thoughtful, in-depth exploration of complex topics.

**Actions**:

*   **Deep Dive Sessions**: Host monthly “Deep Dive” discussions on specific topics (e.g., “The Ethics of AI” or “Blockchain for Social Good”).
*   **Expert Panels**: Invite thought leaders to share insights and answer questions.
*   **Problem-Solving Forums**: Create dedicated spaces for members to present challenges and collaborate on solutions.
*   **Research Collaborations**: Encourage members to co-author articles, whitepapers, or case studies.

**Example**:

*“Let’s go beyond the surface. What are the hidden opportunities and challenges in Web3? How can we address them together?”*

***

### **5. Personal and Thoughtful**

**Goal**: Build genuine connections and make interactions meaningful.

**Actions**:

*   **Personalized Engagement**: Address members by name and reference their contributions in discussions.
*   **Thoughtful Questions**: Encourage members to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that spark deeper conversations.
*   **Member Spotlights**: Regularly feature members’ stories, expertise, and contributions.
*   **Reflection Spaces**: Create spaces for members to share personal journeys, challenges, and lessons learned.

**Example**:

*“We’re not just a community—we’re a family. Share your story. What inspired you to join Future Center? What’s your vision for the future?”*

***

### **6. Honest, Open, and Vulnerable**

**Goal**: Create a safe space for authentic, vulnerable conversations.

**Actions**:

*   **Vulnerability Encouragement**: Lead by example—share failures and lessons learned as much as successes.
*   **Safe Space Policy**: Reinforce that this is a judgment-free zone where honesty is valued.
*   **Anonymous Feedback**: Allow members to share feedback or concerns anonymously to ensure openness.
*   **Real Talk Sessions**: Host candid discussions about challenges, fears, and uncertainties in the tech world.

**Example**:

*“It’s okay to not have all the answers. Let’s be honest about what we don’t know and learn from each other.”*

***

### **7. No Hierarchy—Everyone’s Opinion Matters**

**Goal**: Ensure all members feel equally valued and heard.

**Actions**:

*   **Flat Structure**: Avoid titles or hierarchies within the community. Everyone is a “member” or “contributor.”
*   **Rotating Leadership**: Let members take turns leading discussions or events to share ownership.
*   **Equal Voice**: Encourage quieter members to share their thoughts and ensure no one dominates conversations.
*   **Democratic Decision-Making**: Involve members in key decisions about the community’s direction.

**Example**:

*“In this community, there are no experts or novices—just curious minds. Your opinion matters as much as anyone else’s. Let’s collaborate as equals.”*

***


Community Culture Plan

*   **AI**: *“Navigating the AI Arms Race: Risks and Solutions.”*
*   **Blockchain**: *“Crypto Crashes and Regulatory Challenges: What’s Next?”*
*   **Web3**: *“Security Breaches in Web3: How to Protect the Decentralized Future.”*
*   **Space Tech**: *“Space Debris Crisis: Can We Save Our Orbit?”*

**Format**:

*   Expert-led discussions with actionable takeaways.
*   Collaborative problem-solving sessions.


*   **AI**:
*   *“What’s the most underrated AI application you’ve seen recently?”*
*   *“How can we ensure AI is developed ethically?”*
*   **Blockchain**:
*   *“What’s the future of blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies?”*
*   *“How can blockchain solve real-world problems like supply chain transparency?”*
*   **Web3**:
*   *“What does a truly decentralized internet look like to you?”*
*   *“How can Web3 empower creators and users?”*
*   **Space Tech**:
*   *“What’s the next big milestone in space exploration?”*
*   *“How can space tech benefit life on Earth?”*


Let’s Dive Into the Future

Collaborative projects and hackathons

Optimize the power of sci-fi to envision the future today

Imagine the future in a whole new way with sci-fi as a creative process for future forecasting. In this session, you will explore science fiction by following a science fact to a conclusion and examining its implications.

Using sci fi as a tool for future forecasting offers a pragmatic approach to delving into a journey of insight, drawing from tangible real-world instances as guides. In addition, future casting will give you the tools you need to begin designing with scientific facts and establish a catalogue of the future.

[“Your session was the most inspiring at the conference.” ](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e5d88060457825545de8ab1/t/5e603770e4fc8938f7a43f75/1583363962050/2018+Forum+Program.pdf)

**Dr. Nell Breyer**

Marshall Innovation Lab at Stanford University–[Host](https://www.markmwhelan.com/about/)

### Example: Harnessing The Predictive Power of The 3 Body Problem

As the boundary between sci-fi and reality blurs, Cixin Liu’s acclaimed novel [***The 3-Body Problem***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three-Body_Problem_\(novel\)) offers compelling insights into anticipating and planning for future technological challenges. The book explores:

*   The risks of unchecked artificial super intelligence development, echoing warnings from Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking about uncontrollable AI.
*   Advancements in molecular nanotechnology pose potential existential pitfalls if carelessly developed. Thoughtful governance frameworks and containment strategies must be mapped out proactively.

By contemplating such near-future breakthroughs and societal ramifications through speculative fiction, we can future-proof technological progress. Tech companies and investors should:

*   Follow the lead of Google, Microsoft, and the US military in using sci-fi for roadmapping and red teaming.
*   Conduct structured scenario planning workshops based on thoughtful sci-fi narratives to spark critical conversations and enhance strategic decision-making for both blue and red teams.
*   Explore the full implications of cutting-edge research today to build a thriving human future tomorrow, recognizing that every new frontier carries risks and opportunities.

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3bodyproblem.webp)

[Unlock the Future: Discover the Creative Potential of Science Fiction](https://futurecenter.trafft.com/)

## Sci-fi for future forecasting session is divided into 3 phases:

[CHOOSE](https://futurecenter.ventures/emerging-technologies/)

[a scientific fact and build your world](https://futurecenter.ventures/emerging-technologies/)

[![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-23-at-19.56.11-300x298.png)](https://futurecenter.ventures/emerging-technologies/)

INFLECTION POINT

define the scientific and human inflexion points and their sociatial implications

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Triangle--300x300.png)

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screenshot-2022-01-17-at-16.06.22-300x300.png)

INFLECTION POINT

define the scientific and human inflexion points and their sociatial implications

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2022-07-31-at-09.20.02-705x699-1.webp)

### Start planning for the future, now.

Features:

*   Identification of emerging science and technology.
*   Creative storytelling: red teaming and blue teaming.
*   Discussion and feedback.

Benefits:

*   Critical thinking.
*   Imagination and creativity.
*   Future-focused.
*   Collaboration.
*   Communication skills.

[Unlock the Future: Discover the Creative Potential of Science Fiction](https://futurecenter.trafft.com/)

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1670692968934-300x300-1-180x180.webp)

##### “After experiencing Future Center futurist training, \[V] and \[H] came back telling me amazing things they learned and the amazing people they met. I’ve seen them using what they learned in their day-to-day managing teams and stakeholders.

I highly recommend having a conversation to explore the opportunity to get the broader ONE leaders to benefit from Future Center’s innovative approach to leadership training.”

**Shazad Mirza**

IBM | Transformational Connector | Cloud Optimizer |–[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shazadamirza/)

“The most eye-opening moment from this futurist sprint was that a good leader does not give all the answers but asks all the right questions.”

**Sara Semedo**

Ministry of Home Affairs. Portugal

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1516721411987-300x300-1-180x180.webp)

With Future Center, what’s different is that apart from the learnings from the theories and actual experiences with other people from various industries and countries, you also get to apply those futurist theories immediately.

What I also like about the approach is you have some time in the week to apply your learnings with direct reports of your choosing.

**Brian Halligan**

Company Director Halligan Insurances

![](https://futurecenter.ventures/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Hans-Shmidt-180x180.jpeg)

While we all came in with different goals and challenges, it was obvious that every person in leadership role experiences similar daily challenges that a futurist mindset aids in anticipating.

There’s a feeling of community because everyone is going through it and figuring their way out together.

**Hans Schmidt**

Hedge Fund Manager


Sci-fi for Future Forecasting

**Themes**:

*   **AI**: *“The Ethics of AI: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility.”*
*   **Blockchain**: *“DeFi: Revolutionizing Finance or a House of Cards?”*
*   **Web3**: *“DAOs: The Future of Governance?”*
*   **Space Tech**: *“Space Mining: The Next Gold Rush?”*

**Format**:

*   Expert-led presentations followed by interactive Q\&A and breakout discussions.
