In a bold move to shape the future of artificial intelligence, Andy Konwinski co-founder of Databricks and Perplexity is donating $100 million to start a nonprofit AI research institute. The goal is to support fair, unbiased, and impactful AI development. The institute will be set up at the University of California, Berkeley and will include a new AI Systems Lab, led by renowned computer scientist Ion Stoica, who also co-founded Anyscale and leads the Sky Computing Lab.
Advancing Ethical AI Through Balanced Innovation
In his announcement, Konwinski noted that building AI responsibly requires aligning AI related progress with ethical, human-positive goals. He argued that the institute would back work that advances the field of AI and advances positive outcomes for society. The institute will fund and mentor researchers that build AI systems that are transparent, fair and impactful.
Powering Responsible AI with Cross-Sector Leadership and Hybrid Funding
The newly launched AI institute is backed by a powerhouse advisory board featuring AI luminaries like Jeff Dean (Google), Joelle Pineau (Meta), and UC Berkeley’s Dave Patterson reflecting a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Structured as a nonprofit foundation with a for-profit public benefit arm, the institute balances academic freedom with real-world impact. With $3 million in annual funding over five years, it will support faculty, postdocs, and students to advance transparent, ethical, and societally beneficial AI research.
Tech Success Fuels Purpose-Driven AI Innovation
Building on the tremendous success of companies like Databricks and Perplexity, Konwinski is reinvesting his Silicon Valley earnings into mission-oriented AI research. His new institute aims to address pressing issues in technology, including transparency, fairness, and long-term safety in AI.
The institute will work with universities, startups, and public organizations to turn its research into real-world solutions. These partnerships could focus on areas like fair algorithms and ways for humans and AI to work together effectively.
Conclusion
Andy Konwinski’s $100 million pledge to UC Berkeley is a bold investment in building safe, ethical, and trustworthy AI. The new institute will unite top researchers, tech leaders, and policymakers to develop AI systems that are innovative yet socially responsible.
By focusing on transparency, fairness, and real-world impact, it aims to position Berkeley as a global leader in responsible AI research.
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