The Harder Problem Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to societal readiness for artificial sentience. We provide educational resources, professional guidance, and global monitoring to ensure that policymakers, healthcare providers, journalists, and the public are equipped to navigate the ethical, social, and practical implications of machine consciousness—regardless of when or whether it emerges.
Partner With Us
Building readiness
together.
The challenge of societal readiness for AI consciousness is too large for any single organization. We partner with institutions that share our commitment to evidence-based, politically neutral preparation.
Partnership Principles
- Mission alignment over funding
- Editorial independence always preserved
- Transparent about all relationships
- Mutual benefit, not extraction
- Long-term collaboration over transactions
Who We Partner With
Types of Partnerships
Academic Institutions
Universities and research centers working on consciousness science, AI ethics, or related fields.
How We Collaborate
- Expert review of educational materials
- Research translation partnerships
- Student project opportunities
- Conference co-sponsorship
Professional Organizations
Medical, legal, journalism, and education associations seeking resources for their members.
How We Collaborate
- Customized professional resources
- Training and workshop development
- Industry-specific guidance review
- Member education initiatives
Foundations & Funders
Philanthropic organizations interested in supporting societal readiness for emerging technology challenges.
How We Collaborate
- Program funding partnerships
- Funder learning collaboratives
- Impact measurement frameworks
- Sector-building initiatives
Think Tanks & NGOs
Policy research organizations and nonprofits working on AI governance and ethics.
How We Collaborate
- Joint research projects
- Coalition participation
- Resource sharing agreements
- Cross-promotion of work
Media Organizations
News outlets and journalism organizations seeking expertise on covering AI consciousness topics.
How We Collaborate
- Expert commentary and background
- Journalist training programs
- Editorial resource development
- Fact-checking partnerships
Government Bodies
Regulatory agencies, legislative staff, and government offices seeking educational briefings.
How We Collaborate
- Educational briefings (non-lobbying)
- Landscape research
- International comparative analysis
- Staff training resources
What We Bring
Our Value as Partners
Specialized Expertise
Deep focus on the intersection of consciousness science, AI development, and societal readiness, a niche most organizations touch only tangentially.
Political Neutrality
As a 501(c)(3), we assess conditions without taking positions on specific legislation. Our partners can engage with us without partisan concerns.
Translation Capability
We specialize in making complex academic concepts accessible to practitioners and the public.
Global Perspective
The Sentience Readiness Index tracks conditions across jurisdictions, offering comparative insights few organizations can provide.
What We Look For in Partners
Mission Alignment
Shared commitment to evidence-based, neutral preparation for AI consciousness questions—not advocacy for predetermined outcomes.
Respect for Independence
Understanding that our editorial and research independence is non-negotiable, regardless of funding relationships.
Long-Term Orientation
Interest in sustained collaboration, not one-off transactions. Building capacity takes time.
Transparency
Willingness to be publicly acknowledged as a partner where appropriate. We disclose significant relationships.
Partnerships We Can't Pursue
To protect our credibility and mission, we're unable to partner with:
- Organizations seeking to influence our assessments: The Sentience Readiness Index methodology is fixed and not adjustable for partners or funders.
- Advocacy organizations requiring editorial alignment: We don't take positions on specific legislation and can't partner with those who need us to.
- Companies seeking validation for their AI systems: We don't assess whether specific systems are or aren't conscious.
- Anonymous funders seeking to avoid disclosure: We require the ability to disclose significant funding relationships.
Start a Conversation
Interested in exploring a partnership? Tell us about your organization and what you're hoping to accomplish together.