When Yuri Milner and his wife Julia signed the Giving Pledge in 2012, they committed to donating the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. More than a decade later, that commitment has produced a portfolio of initiatives spanning scientific research, education, and humanitarian aid.
Here’s what Yuri Milner’s philanthropy has built.
The Breakthrough Prize
Co-founded with Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, and Anne Wojcicki, the Breakthrough Prize has awarded more than $326 million since 2012. The Prize recognizes researchers in life sciences, fundamental physics, and mathematics, with each laureate receiving $3 million.
The 2025 ceremony honored scientists whose work led to breakthrough diabetes and obesity treatments, transformed understanding of multiple sclerosis, and advanced gene-editing technologies. By hosting televised ceremonies with celebrity presenters, the Prize brings scientific achievement to audiences far beyond the research community.
The Breakthrough Initiatives
Launched in 2015, the Breakthrough Initiatives fund ambitious space science programs. Breakthrough Listen operates the largest search for extraterrestrial intelligence ever conducted, scanning millions of stars using the world’s most powerful radio telescopes. In 2025, the initiative trained its instruments on 3I/ATLAS, only the third interstellar object ever detected.
Breakthrough Watch works to identify potentially habitable planets around nearby stars. Breakthrough Starshot is developing technology for interstellar travel, aiming to send tiny spacecraft to the Alpha Centauri system.
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge invites teenagers worldwide to create short videos explaining complex scientific concepts. The competition has drawn participants from more than 200 countries, with winners receiving $250,000 college scholarships, $100,000 science labs for their schools, and $50,000 for inspiring teachers.
Past winners have gone on to study at institutions like MIT, demonstrating the program’s role in cultivating scientific talent.
Tech For Refugees
Founded in 2022, Tech For Refugees applies technological solutions to challenges facing displaced populations. The initiative funds organizations using technology to improve education, information access, and support services for refugees.
Partnerships include work with the International Rescue Committee on AI-powered learning platforms and collaboration with UNICEF on educational resources for children in crisis-affected communities.
A Philosophy in Action
These initiatives reflect the philosophy Yuri Milner articulates in his Eureka Manifesto. The book argues that humanity should embrace exploring and understanding the universe as its central mission. Each of his philanthropic programs advances some aspect of that vision: celebrating scientists, funding fundamental research, inspiring young people, or applying innovation to human challenges.
The Giving Pledge provided the framework. Yuri Milner has spent the years since demonstrating what sustained commitment to scientific philanthropy can accomplish.
