Hewlett Foundation Launches $100 Million Tech Security Initiative

The foundation plans to distribute these funds among universities, think tanks, and civil society organizations to bridge the widening gap between rapid private-sector development and government oversight. This program expands upon $10 million in initial exploratory grants already distributed to institutions like Stanford’s Hoover Institution and Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security.

Foundation President Amber D. Miller argues that progress and safety are not mutually exclusive, but rather natural complements. The initiative focuses on three core pillars: hardening critical infrastructure against AI-enabled threats, mitigating vulnerabilities in emerging fields, and fostering global governance frameworks. By positioning independent institutions as intermediaries, the foundation hopes to influence how governments and industry leaders define responsible norms. Eli Sugarman, director of Special Projects, noted that the effort prioritizes evidence-based, practical solutions that address the immediate security concerns of ordinary citizens rather than abstract technological debates.