HUMAN BIOCHIPPING JOWAN
HUMAN BIOCHIPPING JOWAN ÖSTERLUND FOUNDER & CEO, BIOHAX A s a child, Jowan Österlund loved cyborgs. The combination of human biology and technology fascinated him. As he grew up, he pursued a career in body augmentation through piercings and other body modifications. But it’s his founding of biochipping company Biohax International that has seen Österlund become the poster boy for an industry that courts both controversy and big business in equal measure. Is he opening a door for us all to become cyborgs in one form or another? Biochipping is a process where a microchip in a tiny glass or resin cylinder is inserted permanently under the skin, typically in the flesh between the finger and thumb. Once there, the unique identifier on the chip can be programmed to perform a variety of functions – unlocking personal medical data, opening secure doors, or even paying for things. Österlund argues that the technology offers a future of enhanced personal security and unrivalled convenience. “The first time I actually programmed myself with an implanted piece of technology, I fulfilled the dreams of my 13-year-old self,” he says. “The first thing I did was programme my chip with a call trigger, so if I put my phone on my arm it would call my wife.” Integrating technology into bodies isn’t new. Electronic pacemakers to regulate hearts have been placed inside people since the 1960s. We’ve even used biochips to identify pets for years. What’s new is people actively seeking to add technology into their bodies – biohacking – when it isn’t strictly necessary. It’s a new attitude to the sanctity of the human form; people are becoming excited about being more than human. “We’re always trying to optimise everything outside of ourselves, which is very resource demanding and creates stress,” says Österlund. “With biohacking you become a part of that ecosystem of things. You’re the key and you control it in every sense.” It’s a promise of speed and convenience that many find enticing. Biohax has had unparalleled success and acceptance in its native Sweden, where the national rail network is now biochip-capable, and gym chain Nordic Wellness allows members to open turnstiles and lockers with their hands. There are now around 6,000 people with Biohax chips around the world. The change could be revolutionary. “The success [of biohacking] will ultimately come from educating people about how they can benefit in the real world,” says Österlund. “Imagine having to never worry about lost keys or bank cards again!” The technology remains controversial, with many people raising privacy or even religious objections. But the case for biochipping is getting stronger. “Soon, being chipped will allow paramedics and hospitals to identify you and get information about medical conditions even if you are unconscious,” says Österlund. “It will undoubtedly save lives.” PHOTOGRAPHY: JANNICK BOERLUM “THE FIRST TIME I PROGRAMMED MYSELF WITH IMPLANTED TECHNOLOGY, I FULFILLED THE DREAMS OF MY 13-YEAR-OLD SELF” 50
