The Seattle-based Fund for Science and Technology (FFST) announced an inaugural set of grants and its plan to fund at least $500 million over the next four years to support transformational science and technology for people and the planet.
Funded by the estate of Paul G. Allen, the new private foundation is focused on Allen’s lifelong passion for bioscience, the environment, and the power of AI for good, all to accelerate progress against some of the world’s greatest and most urgent challenges, according to Jody Allen, board chair of the FFST.
“With this new foundation, we’re bringing Paul’s philanthropic vision to bear,” said Allen. “For decades, Paul and I worked to leverage the power of science and technology innovation to make the world a better place. Paul asked big questions, invested in big thinkers, and supported pioneering problem-solvers around the world. In the same way, the foundation will work to build a brighter future for people and the planet.”
The foundation is launching with an initial slate of grants to local scientific centers of excellence in Seattle. Phase I funding is intended to generate new knowledge, invest in promising medical and environmental solutions, and lay the groundwork to tackle pressing global issues.
Early grantees
* Benaroya Research Institute to support both its biorepository as a resource enabling research using human samples and its bioinformaticians who analyze datasets derived from the biorepository, enabling ground-breaking discoveries in human immunology with greater speed and precision.
* College of the Environment at the University of Washington to be applied to climate solutions, climate prediction, and environmental monitoring through field observation and data modeling.
* Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center to support studies of the immune system in cancer and autoimmune diseases, as well as the development of new cell therapies for cancer with fewer side effects.
* Seattle Children’s to continue Phase I pediatric cellular immunotherapy clinical trials of promising treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, and fund new research that aspires to create cell therapies that are safe, affordable, and available when children, teens, and young adults need them most.
“Our mission is to enable accelerated discovery and catalyze progress through transformational science and technology,” noted Lynda Stuart, MD, PhD, president and CEO of the FFST. “We need more solutions for some of the most defining challenges of our time, which is why the foundation is focused on bioscience, a range of environmental issues, and the role AI can play to benefit people and the planet.”
Over the next four years, the new foundation expects to deploy half a billion dollars or more to mission-driven organizations and “big thinkers” who are tackling complex problems across the foundation’s priority areas. Through a range of big, long-term bets, traditional philanthropic partnerships, and program-related investments aligned to its mission, the foundation seeks to make a meaningful impact, helping Earth and humanity, added Stuart.
Over time, annual grantmaking will continue to increase, allowing the foundation to pursue bigger initiatives as it expands its work nationally and globally.
“There has always been urgency in science, and we have a mandate to drive change that leverages science and technology for the greater good,” continued Stuart. “The foundation will work to tackle some of the world’s biggest questions, and we’re eager to dive in with our grantees and partners to advance the frontiers of science and technology.”
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