#Mindcandy are scenario prompts designed keep you future-fit. Find out more here.
Scenario prompt 28 August 2025
The scenario prompt for today is the best solar punk books. The other prompts are pure science fiction. Cyborg insects, glowing trees, AI robots. Every leader should read SF (and play Xbox). Happy to share some book/game tips.
The other prompts for today are you are the upgrade, artificial photosynthesis, culture as a system, rewrite the future of construction, management consultancy, cyborg insect assembly lines, glowing trees, climate opportunities, AI robots in elderly care.
If you want more details and the other prompts, you subscribe to my substack.
You are the upgrade
https://www.ronimmink.com/product/a-book-about-books-about-ai/
Data, acceleration, and the future of intelligence: Lessons from 25 core books (and links to 114 other books) about AI, technology abstraction, and consciousness.
The Best Solarpunk Books
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/the-best-solarpunk-books-sarena-ulibarri/
Solarpunk fiction is a form of climate fiction, but by focusing on the changes we could make, it can move us past climate anxiety.
This Plant-Inspired Molecule Could Be the Key to Artificial Photosynthesis
https://scitechdaily.com/this-plant-inspired-molecule-could-be-the-key-to-artificial-photosynthesis/
Swiss researchers have designed a plant-inspired molecule that mimics photosynthesis and can hold four electric charges when exposed to light.
To Change Company Culture, Focus on Systems—Not Communication
https://hbr.org/2025/08/to-change-company-culture-focus-on-systems-not-communication
Culture doesn’t fail because it’s forgotten. It fails because it’s misunderstood. It’s treated as branding, not behavior. As output, not infrastructure. And when that happens—even the most well-meaning efforts can erode the very trust they’re meant to build.
The Tiny Black House That Could Rewrite the Future of Construction
https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/the-tiny-black-house-that-could-rewrite-the-future-of-construction
Tiny House Shadow is a pilot project exploring what happens when architectural minimalism meets circular construction and new carbon-free materials. That is why I am working on a policy innovation accelerator. DM if you want to play.
Meet The World’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2025
Solve your own problems. Check out Bookbuzz. MCKinsey in 4 hours. See https://www.ronimmink.com/bookbuzz/.
Scientists build cyborg insect assembly line for search and rescue
Scientists build cyborg insect assembly line for search and rescue
This new assembly method significantly reduces preparation time and human error, marking a big step towards large-scale deployment of insect-hybrid robots in complex environments for search and rescue efforts in disaster zones.
Chinese scientists create multicolored glow-in-the-dark succulents that recharge in sunlight
Imagine glowing trees replacing streetlights.
Energy company serving up the future of food? Vattenfall wind farm becomes a seaweed farm
Frame climate as an opportunity. Free book abut books available here https://www.ronimmink.com/product/climate-change/
AI robots are helping South Korea’s seniors feel less alone
https://restofworld.org/2025/korea-ai-robot-senior-care-hyodol/
South Korea has handed out AI companionship robots to seniors living alone. Eldercare workers say the robots act as their eyes and ears, easing their mind about clients in the days between visits.
