The science and technology non-profit industry in the US focuses on advancing knowledge and innovation through education, research, and fostering collaboration. Organizations range from research institutions to tech-focused charities, each contributing essential resources and support for scientific exploration. In recent years, there's been a notable increase in investments directed toward addressing societal challenges, including healthcare and environmental sustainability. Additionally, educational outreach has become pivotal, as these non-profits work to inspire the next generation of scientists and technologists. The industry is increasingly leveraging partnerships with corporate giants, enhancing its reach and potential impact.


The collection of investors highlighted here showcases a variety of types, from corporate entities like NASA and Pfizer to venture capital firms such as Khosla Ventures and GV. Operating across multiple states, mostly concentrated in tech hubs like California and New York, these investors range in size from small groups to large organizations employing thousands. Founded between 1849 and 2021, they collectively made a robust number of investments in 2024, underlining their strong commitment to scientific innovation and advancement in non-profit efforts.


Top 14 Science and Technology Non Profit Investors in the US


1. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of science and technology non-profits, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to organizations such as ASTC Science World Society, Science North, and Lets Talk Science. These grants, announced on various dates in 2022 and 2023, reflect the government's commitment to fostering science education and public engagement in scientific endeavors, thereby contributing to the advancement of science and technology in Canada.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Y Combinator operates a structured program that offers resources such as the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator has invested in the Mind Emulation Foundation, which focuses on advancing cognitive science and technology, and Our World In Data, a project that provides accessible data on global development issues. Additionally, their investment in Effective Altruism highlights their engagement with initiatives aimed at maximizing social impact through scientific and technological means. Y Combinator's involvement in these projects illustrates its role in fostering innovation that aligns with non-profit objectives in the science and technology domain.


3. GV (Google Ventures)

  • Website: gv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: gv

GV (Google Ventures) is a venture capital firm founded in 2009, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. With over $10 billion in assets under management, GV focuses on providing funding and support to innovative technology startups across various sectors, including life sciences and artificial intelligence. Among its notable transactions, GV has invested in the Agastya International Foundation, which aims to enhance science education in rural India, raising $473,142 in a venture round in 2013. Additionally, GV participated in a $27,100,000 Series A funding for Oxford Science Enterprises in 2018, which is dedicated to commercializing scientific research from the University of Oxford. These investments highlight GV's engagement in initiatives that promote scientific advancement and education, aligning with the goals of science and technology non-profits.


4. NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • Website: nasa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: nasa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a public entity established in 1958, headquartered in Washington, D.C. NASA is dedicated to civil space programs and aeronautics research, conducting space exploration missions and supporting the International Space Station. The agency plays a crucial role in developing advanced spacecraft and technologies that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. In recent years, NASA has been involved in several grant transactions that reflect its commitment to science and technology non-profit initiatives. For instance, they provided a grant of $795,000 to the Orlando Science Center in June 2022, aimed at enhancing educational programs. Additionally, NASA supported the National Stem Cell Foundation with a significant grant of $3,100,000 in March 2025, which underscores their investment in cutting-edge scientific research. Other notable grants include support for the Museum of Discovery & Science and Brown University, further demonstrating NASA's active role in fostering scientific inquiry and technological advancement through partnerships with educational and research institutions.


5. Pfizer

  • Website: pfizer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1849
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: pfizer

Pfizer Inc. is a leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology company founded in 1849, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Pfizer develops and produces a wide range of medicines and vaccines aimed at improving patient health outcomes globally. In recent years, Pfizer has actively engaged in funding initiatives that support scientific research and public health. Notably, the company provided a $4 million grant to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in 2017, which supports biotechnology innovation. In 2021, Pfizer also contributed to PATH and CARE through undisclosed grant amounts, further emphasizing its commitment to health improvement initiatives. Additionally, Pfizer Ventures has invested in VitaDAO, a decentralized platform focused on longevity therapeutics, participating in both a $500,000 seed round in 2022 and a subsequent $4.1 million funding round in 2023. These transactions highlight Pfizer's role as an investor in science and technology non-profit sectors, particularly in health-related research and development.


6. SouRC Group

  • Website: google.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: sourc-group-llc

SouRC Group, also known as Google.org, is a not-for-profit organization established in 2002, based in Beverly Hills, California. It is dedicated to philanthropy and social impact, providing funding, resources, and support to various nonprofits, civic entities, and academic institutions. The organization aims to promote education, community resilience, and scientific advancement through initiatives like the Google.org Accelerator and Impact Challenge. Notably, SouRC Group has made impactful grants in the science and technology sector, including a $1,000,000 grant to the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research in March 2024, which focuses on advanced research in Canada. Additionally, they provided a $1,000,000 grant to AI4ALL in August 2018, an organization that works to increase diversity and inclusion in artificial intelligence education. These transactions highlight SouRC Group's commitment to fostering scientific and technological advancements within the non-profit sector.


7. Google

  • Website: google.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: google

Google, based in Mountain View, California, is a corporate investor with a significant presence in the technology sector. While primarily known for its advertising technology through Google AdMob, the company has also made notable contributions to various non-profit initiatives in the science and technology space. In 2015, Google provided a grant of $775,000 to CODE2040, an organization dedicated to increasing the representation of Black and Latinx individuals in the tech industry. In 2019, they contributed $500,000 to Actua, which focuses on providing STEM education to youth across Canada. Furthermore, Google was part of a collaborative effort with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other tech giants to fund the construction of a new computer science building at the University of Washington, contributing to the growth of the computer science department. In 2023, they supported The University of Tokyo and The Social Engineering Project with undisclosed amounts and $50,000 respectively, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing science and technology education and initiatives.


8. NBCUniversal

  • Website: nbcuniversal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nbcuniversal-inc-

NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a prominent media and entertainment company based in New York, offering a diverse range of services including television programming, film production, and amusement park experiences. Founded in 1912, the company operates various platforms such as NBC, Universal Pictures, and the streaming service Peacock. In recent years, NBCUniversal has engaged in philanthropic activities, particularly in the realm of science and technology education. Notably, in August 2023, they provided grants to several organizations focused on promoting science education, including Girls4Science, which raised $5,000, SparkShop with $30,000, GEMS Camp (amount undisclosed), and Save Nature (amount undisclosed). These transactions highlight NBCUniversal's commitment to fostering educational initiatives that align with science and technology, showcasing their role as a supportive investor in this sector.


9. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004, located in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic assistance to startups, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures has been actively involved in significant transactions that align with scientific and technological advancements. Notably, they participated in a Series B funding round for Commonwealth Fusion, which raised $1.8 billion to develop high-temperature superconducting magnets and the world's first net-energy-gain fusion system, SPARC. This investment underscores their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in energy. Additionally, Khosla Ventures has invested in Openwater, which raised $54 million in 2024 to advance medical imaging technologies, further emphasizing their focus on healthcare innovation. Through these investments, Khosla Ventures not only supports entrepreneurs but also contributes to the advancement of science and technology that can lead to societal benefits.


10. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notable transactions include Fermelanta, which raised $1.4 million in a seed round, and Involve Space, which secured over $2.7 million in a seed round. Other investments, such as those in HeHealth Inc and Helical Fusion, indicate their focus on technology-driven solutions, which can intersect with science and technology non-profit goals. Their model emphasizes partnerships and resource provision to enhance business development, making them a significant player in the technology sector.


11. Charter Communications


Charter Communications is a leading telecommunications company based in Stamford, Connecticut, providing a wide range of services including broadband internet, television, and mobile services under the Spectrum brand. Founded in 1993, the company serves both residential and business customers, ensuring reliable connectivity and entertainment options. In addition to its core business, Charter has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility through its philanthropic efforts, particularly in the realm of science and technology. In 2023 and 2024, Charter Communications made significant grants to organizations such as The STEM Alliance, which focuses on enhancing STEM education, and LGBT Tech, which promotes technology access and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community. These transactions highlight Charter's active role in supporting initiatives that align with science and technology non-profit objectives.


12. Perceptive Advisors


Perceptive Advisors is a New York-based investment firm founded in 1999, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm provides capital solutions and investment management services to both private and public healthcare companies, with a strong emphasis on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Their expertise in the healthcare industry enables them to support innovation and growth through strategic investments. Notable transactions include a $15 million investment in Xontogeny, which focuses on early-stage life science product development, and an $80 million Series B investment in COMPASS Pathways, aimed at advancing psilocybin therapy research and establishing academic partnerships. Additionally, they participated in significant funding rounds for Nautilus Biotechnology, contributing to the company's growth in the biotechnology space. These investments reflect Perceptive Advisors' commitment to fostering advancements in science and technology, particularly in healthcare.


13. National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • Website: cancer.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1937
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 22
  • LinkedIn: nationalcancerinstitute

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), founded in 1937 and located in Bethesda, Maryland, is a public entity dedicated to cancer research and education. It plays a crucial role in advancing cancer treatment and prevention through extensive research programs, providing grants, conducting clinical trials, and disseminating health information to support cancer patients, families, and researchers. In 2022, NCI was involved in significant transactions, including a $5 million grant to the Wistar Institute and a $13 million grant to the Institute for Systems Biology, both aimed at enhancing cancer research capabilities. Additionally, NCI provided a $398,314 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to Monon Bioventures for developing a glioblastoma therapeutic, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation in cancer treatment. These transactions highlight NCI's active engagement in the science and technology non-profit sector, particularly in advancing cancer research.


14. Dcvc

  • Website: dcvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: data-collective

DCVC (Data Collective Venture Capital) is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in deep tech and life sciences, investing in innovative startups that tackle significant global challenges, particularly in the fields of climate and healthcare. DCVC has a strong track record of supporting companies that are at the forefront of technological advancements. Notable transactions include their participation in the Series A funding for Alchemab Therapeutics, which focuses on a unique target-agnostic drug discovery platform, and their involvement in Zap Energy, which is working on advanced energy solutions. These investments reflect DCVC's commitment to fostering innovation that can lead to substantial societal benefits, making them a relevant player in the science and technology non-profit landscape.



Science and Technology Non Profit Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
GV (Google Ventures)San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)51-200200974
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+195824
PfizerNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+184910
SouRC GroupBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)11-50200226
GoogleMountain View, California, United States (USA)10001+32
NBCUniversalNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19122
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Charter CommunicationsStamford, Connecticut, United States (USA)10001+199364
Perceptive AdvisorsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50199945
National Cancer Institute (NCI)Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)1001-5000193722
DcvcPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-50201128


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