Eric Schmidt, Google’s Executive Chairman, said he will be donating $1 million to organisations working towards solving global problems through technology.
Schmidt announced the news Monday morning on CBS while promoting his book, “The New Digital Age”, which outlines a “transformational vision of the future: a world where everyone is connected—a world full of challenges and benefits that are ours to meet and to harness,” along with Jared Cohen, his co-author and founder and director of Google Ideas.
Schmidt is of the opinion that technology is the answer to the majority of the world’s toughest challenges may it be counter-terrorism, counter-radicalisation, citizen empowerment or nonproliferation.
Schmidt said: “In writing The New Digital Age, Jared and I developed a strong belief in the power of technology to address some of the thorniest global challenges, a belief which was strengthened with each country we visited.”
“We felt it was important to recognize the work being done by non-profits that show promise in these areas.”
Although it’s still unclear where and to whom the grant will be given, the recipients, including academic institutions as well as stand-alone organisations both in the U.S. and abroad, will be those using technology to solve human problems.
“I think I should put my money where my mouth is,” Schmit told CBS.
“Google’s mission is to connect the world. We want a free, open Internet for everyone in the world.”
“We identified a whole bunch of companies all over the world trying to solve oppressive censorship, empower individuals, and make these phones more useful”, he added.
Announcement of the grant will take place next month on March 10.
