Protopian Prize | Brainstorm & Discussion Salon on what a plausible better future might be

What does a workably better AI future truly look like?

Not a utopia. Not a collapse. We're envisioning something much more complex: a relatable future that's genuinely improved from today's reality, crafted through the efforts of real people overcoming tangible challenges.

Join us for a salon centered around the Protopian Prize, a 2026 fiction contest encouraging writers to conceptualize liberatory futures and navigate the intricate journey to achieve them.

Conversation Framework:

Public AI
Imagine an AI landscape designed with the public's interests at heart, adhering to foundational principles of communal benefit. Envision stories that tackle:

• Ethical training
• Sustainable maintenance
• Creator-friendly implementation
• Collective, not corporate, ownership
• New applications that enhance rather than undermine human capabilities

Democratic Futures
Picture institutions, tools, and methods that amplify public autonomy and collective governance over societal trajectories. Discuss stories that highlight:

• Inclusive community-building
• Effective decision-making processes
• Improved public goods delivery
• Innovative ways to combat disinformation, surveillance, and oppressive forces

Evening Agenda:

• Brainstorming Session: Kick off with two seed prompts, addressed popcorn-style. Feel free to bring stories for reference!
• Collaborative Mind Mapping: Together, we’ll create a shared mind map on the board.
• Focused Group Discussions: Form small groups of 4–5 to dive deep into one particular branch.
• Reassembly and Sharing: Regroup to share your discoveries and, optionally, draft a brief summary for the EA Forum.

This event welcomes anyone eager to rigorously explore what "better" truly entails—not just writers!

📍 Location: Mox
🎟️ Get your tickets here!