Problems Worth Solving (PWS)

Interpersonal communication is becoming simpler. We're talking to each other across cultures, generational gaps and language barriers. We’re getting better at understanding how to avoid misunderstandings. Digital environments need to continue to create ways and forums for authentic and open expression.

We believe education is the best way to access rewarding opportunities. We want to invest in giving the next generation the best educational opportunities. Technology is moving so fast that educational curricula are outdated. In-person and digital learning must become more personalised, adaptive and skills-based to keep up.

Global food production can feed the world several times over but billions of people don’t have access to a balanced diet. The human population is increasing. The environment is already suffering. Imbalance in food availability requires rapid innovation in supply chains, agricultural practices and food resource management systems.

Climate change is on everyone's lips and is likely going to be the greatest challenge of the 21st century. Damage to our environmental systems has already increased the occurrence of extreme, unpredictable and ultimately costly events, with wildfires in the US and Australia and the mass ocean death due to increasingly common temperature highs.

With government and greater society finally becoming increasingly aware of the current cost our lives have on our environment, novel and efficient solutions will need to be found to allow for progress to continue without such a cost to our planet.

This is a very broad category and represents a core belief that we believe can be applied to most of our PWS's. Here are some examples in no particular order:

• Measurement and reporting systems for consumers and corporates. If we can measure environmental contribution, we can incentivise better behaviour.
• Computational efficiency for software, especially blockchain and crypto related. Distributed ledgers and 'freedom' currently come at a great computational cost.
• Hardware efficiency, Apple Silicon has proven that there is huge room for improvement here.
• Cloud infrastructure optimisation for high compute and high bandwidth technologies like VR and AR. As high compute and bandwidth services become more commonplace we need to find ways to keep energy utilisation low.
• Ocean ecosystem measurement, and management.
• Infrastructure optimisation and alternative manufacturing processes.
• Plastic removal, alternative and innovative plastic replacements.Did you know that in 2018 it was found that ~46% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch was made up of fishing ropes?

Work is changing across the globe for everyone. The next couple of decades will see the largest change in humankind's definition of professional employment. With the widespread adoption of automation and distributed workforces, we need to rethink the way we work.

Humanity is solving many of the world's biggest problems with technology. This requires significantly more power usage. The environment is already struggling under the weight of our existing power production and major power cuts affect tens of millions across the globe. Widespread Web3, cryptocurrency and blockchain adoption could already overwhelm the world’s power supply. The need for more efficient power production and distribution is paramount.

Positive social, physical, psychological and emotional experiences create a quality lifestyle. People are becoming detached from nature and disassociated from traditional social groups. Digital wellbeing, a focus on mindfulness and bringing nature into cities can help people live their best lives.

The proportion and size of aged population (65+) in economically developed countries is growing. Japan is likely the most widely discussed with 28.7% of the population being 65 or older (2010) with a projection of that being 40% by 2060.

This will have a huge impact on the economics of countries as they become more effected and perhaps even more importantly the mental wellbeing of what is likely the most underserved demographic, 'Old People'.

A non exhaustive list where we see there being opportunity to help an ageing population:

• Boredom, loneliness, mental health, purpose.
• Financial support for a growing ageing population.
• Mobility, access to amenities, living difficulties. The day to day of an ageing human.
• Healthcare support.

Areas of particular interest include anything which helps (re)introduce elderly communities back into society, whether in a productive or social way. We see opportunities here for AR, VR, Accessible Tech, Education, Jobs, Events. We are waiting eagerly for the first 'gaming' retirement home!

The online retail space has been dominated by faster deliveries, but good retail goes beyond functionality and speed. Shopping is also an experience. We want the future of retail to provide new spaces - both online and offline - for community and connection while keeping the best of quick and easy.