Bet on the exceptional
We scour the Earth searching for the next visionaries, betting early on the power of their ideas to solve hard problems in science and society.
Bet early on exceptional people making the world better
We are building a network of the sharpest minds on Earth — helping them to solve hard problems in science and society by connecting them across fields, bringing multiple types of capital to bear, and applying modern tools and technology thoughtfully.
Schmidt Futures is a philanthropic initiative of Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
People working together can do what governments and companies can’t
Our bets on the future are not subject to politics or quarterly pressures. We can take risks that governments and businesses can’t — proving out ideas and partnering with leaders in the public and private sectors to help promising new ideas to scale.
Rise
Rise finds brilliant people who need opportunity and supports them as they work to serve others.
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Jennifer Uche
Highlighting youth advocacy through her original podcast
Schmidt Science Fellows (SSF)
Schmidt Science Fellows is an initiative of Schmidt Futures, delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, that believes in a vision of a world where interdisciplinary science flourishes without limit, accelerates discoveries to benefit the world, and drives innovation that improves quality of life for all.
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Trevor GrandPre, PhD
Pivoting into biophysics to study the growth dynamics of E. Coli
Technologists for Global Transformation (TGT)
The TGT program enlists outstanding recent graduates with degrees in computer science, engineering, mathematics and other sciences to help build products and support essential work for society.
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Sincere Cheong
Developed a web app that compiles ESG data on public companies
Brilliance can only light up the world once it’s seen
The answers to the world’s toughest challenges already exist inside the imaginations of the world’s brightest minds. We’ve made it our mission to find them, connect them, and support their ideas.
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An update from our founders
A community of ingenuity
Mercy Nyamewaa Asiedu
A 2019 Schmidt Science Fellow from Ghana, Mercy is using her expertise in biomedical engineering to improve global health outcomes. As part of her PhD, she worked with a team of researchers to develop the Callascope, an imaging device and mobile application that allows for accessible cervical cancer self-screening.
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Jennifer Erickson
A Schmidt Futures Innovation Fellow, Jennifer applys innovation and data-driven solutions to the organ donation shortage. Her work through Organize has led to groundbreaking, comprehensive reform of the organ transplant system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects the reform will lead to 7,300 more life-saving transplants and $1 billion in Medicare savings every year.
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Rohan Pavuluri
Co-founder of Upsolve, a nonprofit that helps Americans file bankruptcy for free and one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2020. The online tool generates Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms, relieves debt, and provides education and community. Since Schmidt Futures provided Upsolve’s first check, the tool has relieved more than $250 million of debt for low-income Americans.
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Want to work with us?
Tackling the world’s toughest challenges requires exceptional talent inside and out. If you care about building a network of the world’s sharpest minds to solve hard problems in science and society, find your next position in our careers section.
Fact Sheet for Partners
Our Fact Sheet for Partners provides an overview of our mission, our values, and a selection of programs to showcase what we do and who we are. We have done a lot in a short time, but there is so much more to do.
There has never been a more important time to be in the business of helping people
Building a future in which we all want to live won’t be easy. It will take a community of ingenuity and a determined drive toward meaningful goals. Systems that scale the highest risk, highest return ideas. Smart bets and leaps of faith. The world is waiting, and the talent is ready. To make more of a difference, to more people, in more places.
