Today, the world is experiencing an unprecedented refugee crisis, with the largest number of people displaced from their homes ever recorded. In response to this crisis, Yuri Milner (author of Eureka Manifesto) and his wife Julia launched the non-profit initiative Tech For Refugees in 2022.
The initiative partners with leading tech organizations to provide vital programs that support refugees across the world. The Milners’ Breakthrough Foundation funds Tech For Refugees, along with the Breakthrough Prize, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, and the Breakthrough Initiatives. The couple launched the Foundation in 2012, after signing the Giving Pledge.
How Can Technology Support Refugee Relief Efforts?
Tech For Refugees understands that technology has the potential to offer valuable support to refugees. Technology can help:
- Facilitate the organization of vital resources such as food, medical aid, and shelter.
- Connect displaced people with host and housing networks.
- Grant access to online education and entertainment to enhance quality of life.
- Publicize large-scale fundraising campaigns and collect donations.
- Match refugees with employment opportunities.
To expand the reach and positive impact of technologies on refugee relief efforts, Tech For Refugees works with the following partners:
- Airbnb.org.
- Flexport.org.
- Spotify.
- Welcome.US.
- The International Rescue Committee (IRC).
These organizations use their established networks, teams, and services to provide aid to refugees in foreign countries and vulnerable populations in crisis hotspots.
So far, Tech For Refugees has committed over $100 million to programs focused on Ukraine, Pakistan, and the Horn of Africa. The initiative continues to expand its scope to other parts of the world.
There are many ways that technology companies and non-profits can leverage their power to address the global refugee crisis. Tech For Refugees encourages any tech organizations wishing to make a difference in the lives of tens of millions of people displaced from their homes to consider becoming a partner of the initiative.
Who Is Yuri Milner?
Yuri Milner is an Israeli technology investor and science philanthropist. He founded DST Global, a prominent internet technology investment firm, in 2010. He is also a Giving Pledge signatory.
Julia and Yuri Milner joined the Giving Pledge in 2012. In doing so, the couple pledged to donate most of their wealth to philanthropic — primarily scientific — causes. To follow through on their Giving Pledge promise, the Milners created the Breakthrough Foundation.
The Breakthrough Foundation finances multiple science-focused projects, including the Breakthrough Junior Challenge and the Breakthrough Initiatives.
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual, global competition that encourages high school students to engage with scientific ideas. To enter the contest, teens must create and submit short, creative videos that illuminate a challenging concept in science or mathematics.
The winner of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge receives prizes worth $50,000, $100,000, and $250,000 for the teacher who inspired them, their school, and themselves.
The Breakthrough Initiatives
In 2015, Yuri Milner and Stephen Hawking announced the Breakthrough Initiatives. The space science research programs focus on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and advance interstellar engineering concepts. The Breakthrough Initiatives include Listen, Starshot, Watch, Message, and Discuss.
Eureka Manifesto
In 2021, Yuri Milner wrote Eureka Manifesto: The Mission for Our Civilization. In the short book, he argues that humanity must join together in a shared mission to explore and understand our Universe.
Eureka Manifesto also discusses space exploration, artificial intelligence, and the Universal Story.