The XPrize Foundation, renowned for its support of groundbreaking scientific research, has announced its plan to award an unprecedented $101 million to advance anti-aging research. The foundation, which has a storied history of launching prizes since its establishment in 1994, aims to combat the prevailing skepticism surrounding the pursuit of longevity. The seven-year competition will specifically focus on therapeutics that can restore muscle, cognition, and immune function in individuals aged 65 to 80, with a minimum requirement of achieving a 10-year improvement within a year or less.
The highly anticipated XPrize was unveiled at the Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh, hosted by the Hevolution Foundation. Spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Hevolution is one of the two co-title sponsors, along with Solve FSHD, an organization led by Lululemon Athletica Inc. founder, Chip Wilson. Solve FSHD is dedicated to promoting research into the rare disease facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The Saudi government funds Hevolution, which is open to investment from both individuals and private sector donors within Saudi Arabia. Additional contributors to the prize include visionaries such as Carl B. Barney, who is passionate about advancing Ayn Rand's philosophies, and Christian Angermayer, a prominent investor in longevity research, psychedelics, and cryptocurrency, as well as a co-founder of Swiss biotech firm Rejuveron Life Sciences AG.
This burgeoning interest in longevity has been catalyzed by significant investments in the field, primarily from the Middle East. For instance, Prince Mohammed has allocated an impressive $1 billion annually to the Hevolution Foundation, underscoring the seriousness with which the cause is now being embraced. Furthermore, Rejuveron recently secured backing from the Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala Investment Co.
XPrize Executive Chairman Peter Diamandis reiterated the significance of pushing the boundaries of human lifespan, stating, "I'm just not happy with 100 years. If Greenland sharks can live longer, why can't we?" Diamandis referred to the extraordinary life span of Greenland sharks, estimated to be a minimum of 250 years by scientists.
Critics of longevity research express concerns about potential inequality in access to these advancements and the strain it may place on aging economies. However, proponents argue that the true value lies in the elimination of diseases and an increase in healthy, disease-free years. Despite a rising global average life expectancy of 73.4 years, the number of healthy years individuals can expect to enjoy, without disability or illness, has not seen a corresponding increase, stagnating at 63.7 years, according to the World Health Organization.
While the judging criteria for the prize are still being finalized, it is expected that multiple teams will be rewarded alongside the grand prize of $101 million. Additionally, there will be a $10 million bonus prize dedicated to the research of FSHD and another $30 million allocated for operational funding of the XPrize Foundation.
This landmark undertaking surpasses any previous XPrize, including the second-largest prize of $100 million, which focused on funding carbon removal projects, sponsored by Elon Musk. The foundation's history boasts other notable achievements, such as the Ansari XPrize, which significantly reduced the risks and costs of space travel and led to Richard Branson forming Virgin Galactic. Remarkably, XPrize proposals have resulted in over 890 patent filings and 590 trademark filings, highlighting the significant impact of the foundation's initiatives on scientific progress.