Modified Friedmann equations and non-singular cosmologies in d = 4 non-polynomial quasi-topological gravities

Abstract Quasi-topological theories of gravity are known to resolve black-hole singularities. We investigate whether the same mechanism can remove cosmological singularities. Focusing on non-polynomial curvature quasi-topological gravities in d = 4 dimensions, we find three generic scenarios with the correct infrared limit but without a Big-Bang singularity, for universes filled with pure radiation or other standard matter. The first scenario yields a universe emerging from a de Sitter phase, a case for which the curvature invariants remain finite but the matter density diverges, albeit only at infinite affine distance. The second one corresponds to a bouncing universe, and requires a multi-valued Lagrangian. The third possibility is an asymptotically Minkowski origin, reminiscent of an eternally loitering universe. The matter energy density for this solution is non-singular even at infinite affine distance and does not enter a super-Planckian regime, but is instead approximately constant for the past eternity.