The HumanWare Project
Join host Méline Liu on The HumanWare Project, where transformative technology meets human potential.
Through conversations with pioneering minds, longevity experts, and scientific innovators, we explore how emerging technologies can enhance our fundamental humanity. From cutting-edge neuroscience to wellness breakthroughs, discover pathways to human flourishing in our rapidly evolving world.
A futurist with boundless curiosity, Méline guides you to the frontiers of human capability and our species' next evolutionary leap.
The HumanWare Project
Michael Antonov: From Oculus Virtual Reality Pioneer to Longevity Innovator
What drives someone to transition from revolutionising virtual reality to tackling human ageing? For Michael Antonov, co-founder of Oculus and now CEO of Deep Origin, it's the pursuit of groundbreaking technologies that enhance human potential.
In this captivating conversation with Méline, Michael reveals how a 19-year-old's DIY virtual reality headset grew into Oculus, a company that Facebook would later acquire for $2 billion. From late-night coding sessions to breakthrough moments in positional tracking, he shares the behind-the-scenes story of VR's revival and what it takes to build something truly revolutionary.
But Michael's journey didn't stop at VR. Now, as the founder of Deep Origin, he's taking on what he considers humanity's greatest challenge: ageing. He explains how his engineering mindset might help unlock the secrets of human biology, and why creating better tools for understanding life at the molecular level could accelerate breakthroughs in longevity research.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Michael shares:
- The pivotal moment when Oculus caught John Carmack's attention and set VR's comeback in motion
- Why he believes ageing is the biggest technological challenge facing humanity
- How Deep Origin is working to democratise drug discovery through better computational tools
- His practical approach to health optimisation and thoughts on biohacking
- Why success often comes from pursuing what genuinely excites you
This conversation isn't just about technology – it's about the mindset that drives innovation and the courage to tackle seemingly impossible challenges. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of human health and longevity, Michael's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into what's possible when vision meets persistence.
🎧 Listen now to discover how one of Silicon Valley's most successful entrepreneurs thinks about innovation, purpose, and humanity's next great leap forward.
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**This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health or lifestyle changes.**