Schmidt Sciences

Funds Schmidt Sciences, a United States philanthropy backing frontier science and engineering research themes.

Schmidt Sciences is Eric and Wendy Schmidt's philanthropic science funding organization in the United States. The organization consolidated in 2024 from Schmidt Futures and the Eric & Wendy Schmidt Foundation, and it now operates around five focus areas: AI and Advanced Computing, Astrophysics and Space, Biosciences, Climate, and Science Systems. Its public posture is selective rather than open, with direct engagement replacing a general unsolicited-proposal route.

The portfolio centers on invited or nominated support, with a smaller number of open calls under Science of Trustworthy AI. Named programs in the portfolio include Science of Trustworthy AI, AI2050 Fellowships, Schmidt Science Polymaths, and Schmidt Science Fellows. The largest named award is Schmidt Science Polymaths, capped at $2.5 million, while other routes are administered through fellowships, nominations, or time-limited RFPs rather than a standing open grant round.

Schmidt Sciences is strongest when a researcher, institution, or cohort already matches one of its center priorities and can be advanced through proactive outreach. The organization says it proactively seeks out grant opportunities and does not accept unsolicited proposals, which makes fit and reputation central to access. That model favors selected researchers, university nominations, and tightly scoped AI safety or frontier-science calls over broad competition.