The weekly activities in the BiTS program evolve over its duration. The beginning of the program focuses on field strategy, which involves extensive data collection through conversations with experts to refine the initial idea. This is followed by a period of idea refinement, where fellows work on structuring their program, often using a framework of questions to clarify their concept. As the program progresses, the focus shifts towards producing and iterating on deliverables, such as a concise three-page program description and a 15-minute pitch deck for the program’s Demo Day. Throughout the program, fellows participate in weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions and small group meetings with other fellows.
BiTS Americas Webinar 25 November 2025
UK Horizons: FRC — Renaissance Philanthropy – A brighter future for all through science, technology, and innovation
Successful coordinated research programmes, like those at ARPAs, have often resulted from exceptional contractors. Many of the best contractors leveraged organisational models uncommon in academia or VC-funded startups. They combined technical ambition, a willingness to build real technology for actual users, and flexible management structures all under one roof to tackle ambitious R&D problems which made the programs a success. These organisations were driven by the pursuit of an ambitious North Star technical vision, not revenue-maximisation. And they pursued this vision with a mix of contracts and grants. We call organisations that do this Frontier Research Contractors (FRCs). Two of ARPA’s most impactful programmes, the original internet and autonomous vehicle projects, were both led by FRCs. FRCs are also often referred to as 'BBNs' by researchers, inspired by the early internet (ARPAnet) contractor, Bolt, Beranek & Newman.
Meet the Big if True Science Accelerator Americas Cohort — Renaissance Philanthropy – A brighter future for all through science, technology, and innovation
Renaissance Philanthropy’s Big if True Science (BiTS) Accelerator has launched our Americas cohort, with support from Coefficient Giving . After a highly competitive international selection process, we're delighted to introduce the 14 exceptional scientists and innovators in this cohort. Selecte
Renaissance Philanthropy Fellow: Dario Taraborelli
Funding digital infrastructure
This week, a group of funders got together in Philadelphia, for the first time, to discuss software infrastructure.
Aspiration | Better Tools for a Better World
It's our 23rd Anniversary! Nonprofit staff, developers, capacity builders, and grassroots activists will convene at the 2026 Nonprofit Software Development Summit, 18-20 November, 2026, to share knowledge, build capacity, and collectively envision the future of free, open and equitable digital tools and practices to support social change efforts.
Coordinated Research Programs — Renaissance Philanthropy – A brighter future for all through science, technology, and innovation (V2)
In many cases, ambitious R&D problems are not well-suited to individual academic labs, startups, or other existing institutions.
Introducing Sponsorware: How A Small Open Source Package Increased My Salary By $11k in Two Days
<p>After digging deep on SQLite during a pair programming session with a client/friend, I had an idea…</p> <p>About 45 minutes later, a proo...
Breaking Smart: How Software is Eating the World
21 essays on the software revolution — how agile, networked approaches are disrupting industries and remaking society. In English, German, and French.
Breaking Smart: How Software is Eating the World
21 essays on the software revolution — how agile, networked approaches are disrupting industries and remaking society. In English, German, and French.
Breaking Smart: How Software is Eating the World
21 essays on the software revolution — how agile, networked approaches are disrupting industries and remaking society. In English, German, and French.
Breaking Smart: How Software is Eating the World
21 essays on the software revolution — how agile, networked approaches are disrupting industries and remaking society. In English, German, and French.
Breaking Smart: How Software is Eating the World
21 essays on the software revolution — how agile, networked approaches are disrupting industries and remaking society. In English, German, and French.
Breaking Smart: How Software is Eating the World
21 essays on the software revolution — how agile, networked approaches are disrupting industries and remaking society. In English, German, and French.
Breaking Smart: How Software is Eating the World
21 essays on the software revolution — how agile, networked approaches are disrupting industries and remaking society. In English, German, and French.
1/ Excited to share that @exgenesis.ingroup.social and I are joining the upcoming "Big if True Science" (BiTS) program! BiTS is an accelerator at Renaissance Philanthropy for scientists & technologists to design ambitious R&D programs. Our “Big if True” hypothesis is >
Meet the Big if True Science Accelerator Americas Cohort — Renaissance Philanthropy – A brighter future for all through science, technology, and innovation
www.renaissancephilanthropy.org