Science-Minded
Optimist

Some view the world’s challenges with a sense of impending doom. But Paul was energized by them.

Fueled by his faith in science and technology, Paul jumped in with both feet to question norms, identify gaps, and look beyond traditional ways of doing things. He created multiple research institutes to unlock disease and bioscience research and leverage AI for good. All because of his belief that experts working together could create real, lasting change.

Allen Institutes

The Allen Institute and the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence lead cutting-edge science and making groundbreaking discoveries in bioscience and artificial intelligence research.

”I choose optimism. I hope to be a catalyst not only by providing financial resources but also by fostering a sense of possibility.”

Tech for
Good

Paul believed technology could be leveraged to protect our planet, wildlife, and resources, and improve the lives of people everywhere.

Catalytic
Grantmaking

Paul believed revolutionary ideas could have the potential to make dramatic impact, and his philanthropy helped advance entire fields of research.

Paul G. Allen Research Center at Swedish Cancer Institute

Paul made a $20 million personal bequest to the Swedish Cancer Institute, which established the Paul G. Allen Research Center to develop advancements in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

Pandemic
Response

Paul’s commitment to science-driven philanthropy guided his response to several global health crises that occurred during, and after, his lifetime.

Additional
Stories

Exploration

Great Elephant
Census

The Great Elephant Census was a massive undertaking to survey the remaining savanna elephants across the African continent. Results of this survey shocked the world into action.

Exploration

Space

Paul pursued making space more accessible in ways that would fuel space innovation — including SpaceShipOne, the Allen Telescope Array, and Stratolaunch, the world's largest airplane by wingspan.

Pacific Northwest

Seahawks

Paul purchased the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise in 1997, and since then the team has gone on to make three Super Bowl appearances.

Futurist

Microsoft

Paul's name is, of course, synonymous with Microsoft, the company he co-founded with his friend Bill Gates, which changed the trajectory of modern computing.

Creativity

MoPOP

The Museum of Pop Culture opened in 2000 and over the years evolved into a hands-on museum experience celebrating all forms of popular culture and creative expression.

Science-MindedOptimist

Science-Minded
Optimist