If they could connect a human brain to a quantum system, could they learn something about how the mind works? Maybe they could even test whether this elusive, slippery force we call consciousness has quantum roots. Enter Nirvanic , a startup in Vancouver, Canada that’s testing a theory of non-biological consciousness using quantum computers and robotics. “If we know certain animals are conscious, maybe we think differently about animal testing or the way we treat animals,” says Gildert. “I am deeply skeptical of people trying to make money off of claims to link consciousness, quantum computing, and AI,” he says.