Andy Konwinski, renowned computer scientist and co-founder of both Databricks and Perplexity AI, has unveiled a significant initiative to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) research. On June 23, 2025, Konwinski announced the establishment of the Laude Institute, a new AI research organization backed by a personal commitment of $100 million.
The Laude Institute is designed to function not merely as a traditional research lab but as a funding entity that provides grants to advance AI research. The institute’s board comprises esteemed figures in the AI and computer science community, including UC Berkeley professor Dave Patterson, Google’s Chief Scientist Jeff Dean, and Meta’s Vice President of AI Research Joelle Pineau.
In its inaugural move, the Laude Institute has pledged a flagship grant of $3 million annually over five years to support the creation of the AI Systems Lab at the University of California, Berkeley. This new lab will be led by Ion Stoica, a prominent researcher and current director of the Sky Computing Lab at Berkeley. Stoica is also known for co-founding startups Anyscale and Databricks, both of which originated from technologies developed within Berkeley’s lab system. The AI Systems Lab is slated to commence operations in 2027 and will include a team of distinguished researchers.
Konwinski articulated the mission of the Laude Institute in a blog post, stating that it is built by and for computer science researchers… We exist to catalyze work that doesn’t just push the field forward but guides it towards more beneficial outcomes. This statement underscores a commitment to advancing AI research with a focus on positive societal impact.
The Laude Institute is structured as a nonprofit organization with a public benefit corporation operating arm, allowing it to navigate both academic and commercial landscapes effectively. The institute’s funding strategy is divided into two categories: Slingshots and Moonshots. Slingshots are aimed at early-stage research projects that can benefit from grants and hands-on assistance, while Moonshots are intended for long-term initiatives addressing significant challenges such as AI applications in scientific discovery, civic discourse, healthcare, and workforce re-skilling.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in the venture capital industry, where substantial investments are being directed toward AI. For instance, Databricks recently raised $10 billion, elevating its valuation to $62 billion, marking one of the largest private investment rounds to date. Similarly, Perplexity AI closed a $500 million funding round, tripling its valuation to $9 billion. These developments indicate a significant shift in venture capital focus toward AI-driven enterprises.
The establishment of the Laude Institute and its substantial funding commitment highlight the growing recognition of the importance of AI research and the need for dedicated resources to support its advancement. By providing substantial financial backing and fostering collaborations with leading academic institutions, the Laude Institute aims to drive meaningful progress in AI that benefits society at large.
