Cryonics Institute
Cryonics Institute is a Michigan-based nonprofit founded in 1976 by cryonics inventor Robert Ettinger. It provides whole-body human and pet cryopreservation, DNA and tissue storage, and standby coordination services to individual members who fund contracts primarily through life insurance.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersClinton Township, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Cryonics Institute does
Cryonics Institute (CI) is a Michigan-chartered nonprofit membership organization founded in 1976 by Robert Ettinger — the inventor of cryonics — and headquartered in Clinton Township, Michigan. CI provides whole-body human cryopreservation at -196°C using vitrification and liquid nitrogen storage, along with pet cryopreservation, DNA and tissue sample storage, and contractual standby and transport coordination. It claims to be the world's oldest and largest whole-body cryonics provider. The core technology — vitrification, controlled cool-down, and indefinite cryogenic storage — is grounded in protocols pioneered by Ettinger, with adjunct proprietary R&D in blood-brain barrier opening (Dr. Yuri Pichugin, 2007) and cryogenic equipment (Portable Ice Bath, ACDC Thumper, computer-controlled cooling boxes).
CI operates as a member-owned cooperative governed by an unpaid, elected 12-member Board of Directors, with only two to three paid employees running day-to-day operations. Revenue is generated through lifetime memberships ($1,250), annual/quarterly memberships ($120/year or $35/quarter plus a $200 initiation fee), human cryopreservation contracts ($28,000–$45,000 depending on member status), pet cryopreservation ($1,000–$28,000), DNA/tissue storage ($98), and optional professional standby and transport services arranged through Suspended Animation Inc. ($60,000–$78,000). Life insurance is the dominant funding vehicle, with CI named as policy beneficiary.
The go-to-market motion is direct-to-consumer: members sign up via cryonics.org, are supported by a Membership Specialist, and rely on referrals and specialty life insurance agents. CI has a 2011 exclusive partnership with ACTS for the Chinese market, ongoing relationships with Biostasis Technologies, Minnesota Cryonics Rapid Response, and Stasis Systems Australia, and publishes a quarterly newsletter and annual AGM (next: April 17, 2026, the 50th anniversary). The customer base consists of individual believers in future technological revival — primarily high-net-worth individuals funding via life insurance — with no enterprise customers and no disclosed concentration above the long tail of individual contracts.
Cryonics Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cryonics Institute
- Legal name
- Cryonics Institute
- Website
- https://cryonics.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Cryonics Institute is a Michigan-based nonprofit founded in 1976 by cryonics inventor Robert Ettinger. It provides whole-body human and pet cryopreservation, DNA and tissue storage, and standby coordination services to individual members who fund contracts primarily through life insurance.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cryonics Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cryonics and Cryopreservation Services
- NAICS
- Blood and Organ Banks (621991), Funeral Homes and Funeral Services (81221)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cold Chain Storage & Cryopreservation Services (LN2/Ultra-low) (HLAGAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Cold Chain, Cryopreservation & Biologics Storage/Handling Technologies (HLAAAJAN)
Keywords
Where Cryonics Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Clinton Township
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cryonics Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Annual or lifetime membership fees that grant eligibility to execute a Cryonic Suspension Agreement and access to member services. Lifetime membership is $1,250 (single), $1,875 (two in same household). Annual membership is $120/year or $35/quarter with $200 initiation fee.
- Human Cryopreservation Services: Fees for cryopreservation of human bodies. $28,000 for lifetime members, $35,000 for annual members, $45,000 for non-member/post-mortem. Does not include standby or transport costs.
- Professional Standby & Transport: Third-party standby and transport services through Suspended Animation Inc., contracted by CI for additional fees ($60,000–$78,000 for full standby and transport).
- Pet Cryopreservation: Cryopreservation services for pets, priced based on size and weight ($1,000–$28,000), not including transport costs.
- DNA & Tissue Preservation: Medical-grade sample collection kit, instructions, and indefinite cryogenic storage for four small samples (1.8ml) at $98.
- Donations: CI accepts donations from members and the public to support operations, research, and organizational strength.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Lifetime membership for an individual, covering full eligibility for cryopreservation contract and all member services. |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual recurring membership with quarterly or annual billing options. |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Human cryopreservation for lifetime members. |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Human cryopreservation for annual members. |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Human cryopreservation for non-members signing up post-mortem. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Professional Standby & Transport through Suspended Animation Inc. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Local Preparation & Transport (arranged through funeral directors or support groups). |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Personal Notification Tools and Standby Training. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pet cryopreservation based on pet size and weight. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | DNA and tissue sample preservation with collection kit and indefinite storage. |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Cryonics Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cryonics Institute provides whole-body human cryopreservation at -196°C (-320°F) in liquid nitrogen, intended to preserve members after legal death for potential future revival by advanced medical technology. The core process includes pre-death membership contracting, standby preparation at the site of death, controlled cool-down, and perpetual cryogenic storage at CI's Clinton Township, MI facility. Related member services include pet cryopreservation (priced by size/weight), DNA and tissue sample storage ($98 kit for four 1.8ml samples), and coordination of professional standby/transport through Suspended Animation Inc.
Product overview
The Cryonics Institute offers a suite of cryopreservation services centered on whole-body human cryonics, with the core offering being cryonic preservation at -196 degrees Celsius for eventual revival by future science. The organization operates as a member-owned nonprofit cooperative. Additional services include pet cryopreservation, DNA and tissue storage, and professional standby/transport options through third-party providers. All services require membership, which can be purchased as lifetime ($1,250), annual ($120/year), or quarterly ($35/quarter) plans. The human cryopreservation service itself ranges from $28,000 to $45,000 depending on membership status.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Human Cryopreservation (Whole-Body) Whole-body cryonic preservation at -196°C (-320°F) using liquid nitrogen, including preparation, controlled cool-down, and indefinite storage. Pricing: $28,000 lifetime member; $35,000 annual member; $45,000 non-member post-mortem. Excludes standby and transport costs. Requires a Membership Specialist-supported sign-up process.
- Membership Required membership to contract CI cryopreservation services. Lifetime $1,250 (single charge, no initiation fee); Annual $120/year with $200 initiation; Quarterly $35/quarter with $200 initiation. Includes personal one-on-one support, quarterly newsletter, members-only discussion group, AGM access, facility tours, and (for funded-contract members) voting rights and ability to run for Board of Directors.
- Pet Cryopreservation Cryopreservation services for pets, with pricing based on the size and weight of the animal ($1,000-$28,000). Does not include transport costs. Available to members seeking to preserve companion animals.
- DNA & Tissue Preservation Medical-grade sample collection kit, collection instructions, and indefinite cryogenic storage for four small samples (1.8ml each) at $98. Larger samples require custom quote.
- Professional Standby & Transport Option Trained team dispatched to the member's location at time of legal death to perform immediate cryonics preparation and transport the body to CI's Michigan facility. Contracted through Suspended Animation Inc. for $60,000-$78,000.
- Local Preparation & Transport Option On-site body preparation and transport to CI arranged through a funeral director with the necessary equipment, licenses, and experience, typically $10,000-$20,000. Independent local or regional cryonics support groups can also assist.
- Personal Notification Tools and Standby Training Instructions and emergency notification tools (free) plus supplementary training resources ($40) for members and non-members setting up their own standby arrangements to enable critical early notification and improved suspension outcomes.
Quantifiable outcome
- Rat kidney successfully vitrified, rewarmed, and transplanted in a 2023 University of Minnesota study — a proof-of-concept for organ preservation at cryogenic temperatures.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Cryonics Institute
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Cryonics Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Cryonics Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ACTS (American-Chinese Transtime Services)coreCI has a 3-year exclusive agreement with ACTS for the provision of cryonics services in China, with storage at CI's Michigan facility. This partnership extends CI's services to the Chinese market through a regional partner with local presence and expertise.
- Suspended Animation Inc.coreSuspended Animation Inc. is CI's third-party professional standby and transport provider. They send trained teams to members' locations at the time of legal death to perform cryonics preparation and transport to CI's facility. Services range from $60,000 to $78,000 and are contracted through CI for members who opt for professional standby. CI has a longstanding contractual relationship with SA and has published a neutral summary of differing views members have about selecting SA on its website.
- Advanced Neural Biosciences Inc.coreCI funds and collaborates on cryobiology research with Advanced Neural Biosciences Inc. Research areas include improving perfusion carrier solutions, washout solutions, and other cryopreservation technologies. CI allocated up to $10,000 for research projects with ANB in multiple board resolutions (2009–2011). Research reports are published on CI's website.
- S-A (Cryonics Support Organization)minorFlorida-based cryonics support organization S-A fabricated the Portable Ice Bath (PIB) and ACDC Thumper Unit that CI purchased and uses for patient care. CI has an ongoing relationship with S-A for standby equipment and cryonics support services.
- Stasis Systems AustraliaminorMarta Sandberg, a CI director, also served on the Board of Stasis Systems Australia, indicating a connection between CI and Australian cryonics operations. Stasis Systems Australia provides standby and cryonics services in the Australian region.
- Biostasis TechnologiescoreLauren Fosco, Chief Operating Officer of Biostasis Technologies, is a featured speaker at CI's AGM and has been elected to CI's Board of Directors (2024). Biostasis Technologies provides standby and biostasis services, and Fosco presented information on new check-in apps and monitoring tools created by Nikki Olson for CI members.
- Minnesota Cryonics Rapid Response (MCRR)minorChuck Bartl, President of Minnesota Cryonics Rapid Response, gave a report at CI's 2023 AGM. MCRR provides standby and rapid response services for cryonicists in the Minnesota region, complementing CI's services.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cryonics Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- American Cryonics Society (ACS): Long-standing US cryonics organization founded in 1969 (originally as Bay Area Cryonics Society) that does not operate its own storage facility but instead contracts with providers including CI to cryopreserve members. Functions as both a competitor for membership signups and a referral channel to CI's storage services.
- Oregon Cryonics: Small US cryonics provider founded in 2005 offering whole-body and neuro cryopreservation, primarily serving the Pacific Northwest. Provides CI with regional standby partnership opportunities but also competes for US members seeking closer-to-home alternatives.
- KrioRus: Russian cryonics organization founded in 2005 offering whole-body and neuro cryopreservation services for humans and pets. Operates cryogenic storage facilities in Russia and serves as a regional alternative to CI for European and Asian members.
- Alcor Life Extension Foundation: Alcor is the other major US whole-body and neuro cryopreservation provider, founded in 1972. It is CI's primary direct competitor, offering overlapping services (membership, cryopreservation, standby) at higher price points ($220,000 whole-body, $80,000 neuro), making it the natural benchmark for pricing, technology, and market share comparisons.
Regional players
- Stasis Systems Australia: Australian biostasis organization providing standby and cryopreservation services in the Australia/New Zealand region. Shares a board linkage with CI through director Marta Sandberg and serves as CI's regional partner for Australasian members.
- Yinfeng Life Science Research Institute: China-based cryonics organization partnering with CI under the ACTS agreement to serve Chinese members with storage at CI's Michigan facility. Directly competes with CI's own China operations and represents both a partner and potential competitor in the Chinese market.
Emerging players
- Tomorrow Biostasis: Berlin-based biostasis company founded in 2019 offering whole-body cryopreservation in Europe with storage at a partner facility. Targets a younger demographic with subscription pricing (~€200/month), directly competing with CI for international members seeking more affordable and accessible cryopreservation services.
- Biostasis Technologies: Adjacent biostasis technology company developing monitoring and check-in tools (e.g., apps by Nikki Olson) for cryonics members. Its COO Lauren Fosco has been elected to CI's Board of Directors, indicating deep strategic integration with CI while also developing competing services for the broader biostasis market.
- European Biostasis Foundation (EBF) / Sinai Foundation: European nonprofit research and advocacy organization promoting biostasis research and infrastructure in Europe. Serves as both a regional competitor for European cryonicists and an enabling ecosystem partner for advancing the broader biostasis field.
Others
- Suspended Animation Inc. Florida-based third-party standby and transport provider contracted by CI ($60,000-$78,000 per case) to deploy trained teams bedside at member deaths. While a key operational partner for CI, it also serves Alcor and other providers, making it an adjacent service vendor rather than direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cryonics Institute social profiles
Digital presenceCryonics Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cryonics Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Cryonics Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cryonics Institute M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cryonics Institute
What does Cryonics Institute do?
Cryonics Institute provides whole-body human cryopreservation at -196°C (-320°F) in liquid nitrogen, intended to preserve members after legal death for potential future revival by advanced medical technology. The core process includes pre-death membership contracting, standby preparation at the site of death, controlled cool-down, and perpetual cryogenic storage at CI's Clinton Township, MI facility. Related member services include pet cryopreservation (priced by size/weight), DNA and tissue sample storage ($98 kit for four 1.8ml samples), and coordination of professional standby/transport through Suspended Animation Inc.
Is Cryonics Institute a public or private company?
Cryonics Institute is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Cryonics Institute founded?
Cryonics Institute was founded in 1976. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Cryonics Institute based?
Cryonics Institute is headquartered in Clinton Township, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cryonics Institute make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are human Cryopreservation Services, professional Standby & Transport, pet Cryopreservation, DNA & Tissue Preservation and donations.
Who are Cryonics Institute's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are American Cryonics Society (ACS), Oregon Cryonics, KrioRus and Alcor Life Extension Foundation. Regional players are Stasis Systems Australia and Yinfeng Life Science Research Institute. Emerging players are Tomorrow Biostasis, Biostasis Technologies and European Biostasis Foundation (EBF) / Sinai Foundation. Suspended Animation Inc. is listed as an others.
Does Cryonics Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cryonics Institute.
What industry is Cryonics Institute in?
Cryonics Institute's product category is Cryonics and Cryopreservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAGAK, Cold Chain Storage & Cryopreservation Services (LN2/Ultra-low), with a secondary code of HLAAAJAN, Cold Chain, Cryopreservation & Biologics Storage/Handling Technologies. Its NAICS code is 621991 and its SIC code is 8731.