Hewlett Foundation Commits $10 Million to Bridge AI Governance Gap

April 23, 2026
The Hewlett Foundation has announced $10 million in exploratory grants to strengthen the governance and security of emerging technologies including AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing. The initiative aims to bolster resilience and protect critical infrastructure while fostering innovation.

The Hewlett Foundation announced in a press release that it has committed $10 million in exploratory grants to address gaps in AI governance and the security of emerging technologies. The initiative supports efforts to protect critical infrastructure, prevent technological surprises, and promote public trust in innovation.

Major awards include funding for Stanford University's Hoover Institution to develop the Tech Futures Lab, which will focus on anticipating technological disruptions and strengthening national resilience. Vanderbilt University's Institute for National Security will receive funding for its Wicked Problems Lab, which is building defenses against synthetic information warfare such as deepfakes.

Other recipients include the AI Now Institute, Aspen Institute, Atlantic Council, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Council on Foreign Relations, Georgetown University, Global Network Initiative, Institute for Security and Technology, Observer Research Foundation America, RAND, and Sentinel Bio. The grants are part of a broader call from Hewlett Foundation President Amber D. Miller for philanthropy to help bridge the divide between government and industry in shaping effective AI governance.

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