Key points from article :
James Fickel, a crypto millionaire from Ethereum investments, is revolutionizing brain and longevity research by committing $200 million. Initially known for his crypto success, Fickel shifted his focus to science, creating the Amaranth Foundation to fund ambitious projects that enhance health span and brain understanding. Among these ventures is Bexorg Inc., inspired by pioneering studies on sustaining cellular function in pig brains post-mortem. Bexorg has developed methods to preserve cellular activity in both pig and human brains outside the body. This approach allows for testing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s treatments without requiring human trials, potentially accelerating drug discovery for brain diseases.
Fickel’s investments don’t stop at Bexorg. He has backed Forest Neurotech, which develops brain implants emitting ultrasound pulses to study neurological conditions, and the Enigma Project, an effort to digitally map brain function. The Enigma Project aims to create a comprehensive model of brain activity, helping AI researchers understand how to align artificial intelligence with human values safely. By digitally representing the brain’s structure, researchers hope to merge AI and human cognition more responsibly.
Fickel’s foundation has invested in over 30 startups and research groups, allocating 70% of funds to high-risk ventures, and the rest to academic research. This balanced approach seeks to accelerate breakthroughs in both practical applications and theoretical knowledge. Although Fickel lacks a scientific background, he collaborates with top researchers, fostering a unique investor-scientist relationship to drive progress in brain research and longevity. His efforts symbolize a new wave in philanthropy, where tech-driven wealth supports science that could redefine human health and cognition.
