#152 - GAVI Pledges, Tech Policy Internships, and Mosquitos in Maui!
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In the News
💉 Amid GAVI funding cuts, a bunch of pharma companies have stepped up and renewed their commitments to keeping the R21 malaria vaccine under $5.
⚡️ Since the last decade, 292M fewer people are living without access to electricity (despite the global population increasing by 760M in that time), bringing electricity access up to 92% worldwide. Much of this new capacity is driven by renewables like solar.
🦾 The first remote FDA-approved robotic surgery was conducted last month with the surgeon in Florida and the patient in Angola, and it worked.
🧠 British scientists have created a 200,000 neuron-silica hybrid that can perform biological computation, and it’s playing pong.
🦟 Genetically modified mosquitos are being dropped in Maui to curb avian malaria.
Opportunities
“Founding to Give is a program by AIM and the School for Moral Ambition to help tech talent start high impact startups.
Quick snapshot of the program:
For tech/founder talent who want to start a high-growth tech company for good
No idea or cofounder needed – we can help with that
Runs Jan–Mar 2026, including a 4-week in-person intensive in January (we cover travel + housing)
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
No equity taken, instead, founders pledge to donate a portion of future personal exit earnings to effective charities of their choice
More info here: www.aimfoundingtogive.com”
We’re dear friends with the folks at AIM, and we can’t recommend this program enough. Tell them Impact Labs sent you if you apply!
Applications for The Horizon Fellowship are open. “We help address the US government’s critical talent shortage in emerging technology by bridging the gap between subject-matter experts and the policy world.” if you’re a tech person looking to get into policy, this is for you. Apply by August 28th, and tell them Impact Labs sent you.
In think tank land, the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy is looking for researchers and senior research managers. “The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) is a nonpartisan think tank that engages experts across the U.S. and allied nations to deliver concrete, technically sound policy research that enhances national competitiveness and mitigates emerging risks while protecting the space for innovation to thrive.” And Americans for Responsible Innovation is seeking a digital director. We think that it’s extra important to have thoughtful technologists who are working in the field of AI policy, especially since the tendency can be hawkish and arms-racey in the current discourse, which we discourage.
“The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a global network of policy research centers, is seeking an energetic individual with excellent interpersonal skills to intern with its Washington, D.C.-based Communications team. The intern is expected to work 18 hours per week. This is an in-person role based in Carnegie's office in Washington, DC.”
“The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision-makers concerned with global security and prosperity.” They’re currently looking for an intern in their econ division, specifically to join their economic impacts of AI team.
“Pure Earth is a growing international nonprofit addressing one of the most urgent yet solvable global health crises, toxic pollution and its profound impacts on human health. We specialize in preventing lead and mercury exposure, and deploying innovative, evidence-based solutions in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Our initiatives not only protect vulnerable children and communities today but also build sustainable systems to ensure lasting change for future generations.” They’re looking for program managers for specific countries, as well as an ops manager for their office in NYC.
To address arguably the biggest failure mode startups face, our friend Andrew Dunn of School of Wise Innovation has a short course kicking off TODAY focused on cultivating the technical skills of building a functional organization that actually enables people to work effectively together. It's 7 virtual sessions with extraordinary teachers, 11am - 1pm PST, + opportunities to connect with fellow leaders (including an IRL Bay Area meetup). Use discount code SUMMER100 for $100 off.
What We’re Watching
80,000 Hours came out with a video walkthrough of the AI 2027 paper, and it’s really good (and more than a bit frightening).
The Seine in Paris recently opened up to swimmers again (after a 100+ year ban on public access). This is a fantastic deep dive into the tech that went into the cleanup effort.
Watch this TED talk on coral reefs and how there’s newfound hope for restoring them around the world.
Yet another study confirming the efficacy of psychedelics for treatment-resistant depression, this time using the venom of the Colorado River Toad.
Latin Americans are fed up with cultural biases of ChatGPT, so they’re making their own GPT.
Quotes We Love
“The body says what words cannot.”
- Martha Graham
That’s all for now! See you in your inbox in another two weeks! ❤️