Baryons Builds Human-First AI to Help Us FLOURISH

When you talk to Mike Hruska, founder of Baryons, you quickly realize you’re not just discussing technology, you’re diving into what it means to be human in the age of AI. A self-described “tech mercenary turned humanist innovator,” Hruska is on a mission to create technology that doesn’t just work for us, but works with us. His latest venture, Baryons, is an AI-powered platform designed to help people flourish — to live well, find meaning, and lead with purpose. 

“Flourishing is the new F-word,” Hruska says with a grin. “It’s time we make living well measurable, accessible, and scalable for everyone.” 

From Problem Solutions to Human Solutions 

Based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Hruska has always believed that innovation shouldn’t be confined to Silicon Valley. After conducting research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, he returned home in 2004 to co-found Problem Solutions, a firm known for solving complex challenges through human-centered design and emerging technologies. The company’s work has quietly impacted more than a billion people worldwide, powering everything from learning systems to government tech solutions. 

But beneath the success, Hruska felt something was missing. Not in technology, but in how people interacted with it. 

“Technology should improve our lives,” he says. “Yet two-thirds of the global workforce is disengaged. If we can build systems to optimize machines, why not build systems that help people thrive?” 

That question became the seed of Baryons. 

The Invisible Layer of Human Energy 

The name Baryons comes from the subatomic particles — combinations of three quarks — that form the matter around us. Just as baryons are the invisible building blocks of reality, Hruska sees human emotion, cognition, and connection as the unseen energy that drives organizations and communities. 

“Our inner world; how we think, feel, and function is the invisible layer that holds everything together,” he explains. “Baryons exists to make that visible.” 

At its core, Baryons is a voice-based AI thought partner that engages users in short, five- to seven-minute conversations to help them reflect, reframe, and refocus. Using established science from positive psychology and cognitive behavioral theory, the platform encourages users to consider where they’re thriving, where they’re stuck, and how they can move forward. 

“It’s like having a great conversation with a trusted friend,” says Hruska. “It asks questions that help you discover clarity, confidence, and curiosity. The three keys to flourishing.” 

AI with Empathy and Integrity 

While the idea of a “reflective AI partner” might sound futuristic, Baryons is already live. The platform allows users to call in and talk to their “Baryon” several times a week, and early feedback has been striking. Users report feeling more accountable to themselves, more creative, and better equipped to collaborate with others. 

But perhaps most importantly, Hruska emphasizes, is safety and privacy. “When we say it’s a sacred space, we mean it,” he says. “Everything is encrypted. We’ve built autonomous systems that detect signs of distress or risk, but ultimately, this is about building mental wealth, not managing mental illness.” 

The distinction between mental health to mental wealth defines Baryons’ mission. The company recently secured funding from Blue Ash Ventures, an investment firm focused on human potential and brain health, to scale its vision globally. Its philanthropic partner, the Blue Ash Foundation, will present research on brain capital at Davos in 2026 — with Baryons playing a key role. 

Democratizing Flourishing 

For Hruska, flourishing isn’t a luxury. It’s a human right. That’s why Baryons is offering free access for up to three calls a month, with a $20 per month option for deeper engagement. “We want to democratize human flourishing,” he says. “If you can make time for five minutes of scrolling, you can make time for five minutes of self-growth.” 

As Baryons gains traction, Hruska envisions its AI not just helping individuals, but entire teams and organizations flourish together. “The future of work depends on the future of wellbeing,” he says. “If people can flourish together, they can change the world together.” 

And true to form, Hruska remains grounded in Johnstown, proving that world-changing ideas can flourish anywhere. “I’ve got an amazing team here,” he says. “Everyone at Baryons believes they have the most important job in the company — helping each other flourish.” 

With that kind of energy, it’s clear that for Mike Hruska, the next wave of AI isn’t artificial at all — it’s profoundly, beautifully human.

Baryons At a Glance: 

Founder: Mike Hruska (above)

Headquarters: Johnstown, Pennsylvania 

Founded: 2023 

Core Technology: Voice-based AI mentor for personal and organizational flourishing 

Funding: Backed by Blue Ash Ventures 

Free Trial: Up to three calls per month; $20/month for full access 

Website: www.baryons.com — use code PITT to skip the waitlist