Shaping a Better Future through Research and Purpose-Driven Innovation
Photo courtesy of Harvard Business School External Relations.
Over the years, I have devoted much of my life and philanthropy to unlocking scientific discoveries and advancing human health. My vision is, and always has been, to invest in innovation that benefits humanity and supports the people and institutions driving it forward.
I brought that vision to my medical devices company Synthes USA, which was one of the world’s largest manufacturers of bone fracture and trauma treatment devices, headquartered in Westchester, Pennsylvania. Through my work at Synthes – which grew from just ten employees to 4,800 employees – I was able to see how innovation and discovery can help create positive impact and drive better health outcomes. I was proud to help millions of patients reduce their recovery time from bone fractures and trauma from months to mere weeks. It was that private sector experience that inspired my philanthropic investments in next-generation research and development.
One of the areas where I’ve focused most deeply is biomedical research. In 2008, I helped establish the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. At the time, it was among the largest individual gifts in the university’s history. Since then, the Wyss Institute has grown into a groundbreaking hub for turning science into real-world solutions, filing more than 4,700 patents and launching 71 startups. Its teams work at the intersection of biology, engineering, and design, developing technologies like soft robotics, which can improve the lives of stroke survivors and people with mobility impairments. These innovative breakthroughs are helping shape the future of drug development, medical treatments, and patient care.
Furthermore, the Wyss Foundation has contributed millions to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, by establishing the Wyss/Campbell Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome, honoring the late Dr. Robert Campbell. This center is the only multidisciplinary program in the United States solely devoted to treating children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome, a condition that impairs lung growth and breathing. Since we began working together, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has introduced machine learning algorithms that produce 3D “movies” of a patient’s lung, enabling personalized clinical therapy. This support is fueling immediate translation of lab research into transformative patient care – helping kids in Philadelphia and beyond.
I’ve also expanded my philanthropy beyond health sciences, funding educational and research initiatives across many institutions and organizations. This includes fellowships and student scholarships spanning conservation, medicine, business, music, and the arts. These programs empower individuals to drive innovation and unleash the next wave of leaders in these fields.
In everything, from biomedicine and technology to education and the arts, my goal is to spur progress. I believe that the fruits of discovery and research should reach as many people as possible, making stronger, healthier families and communities. As we face complex global challenges, I remain hopeful that the pursuit of knowledge and the generosity of philanthropy can converge and work together, building a thriving society. I look forward to continuing my investments in the world’s future.
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About Hansjörg Wyss
Hansjörg Wyss is a philanthropist and conservationist who fell in love with the American landscape and spirit upon moving here nearly half a century ago. Wyss dedicates his philanthropy to advancing research and innovation, conservation, economic opportunity, education, and the arts, driven by a deep commitment to giving back and preserving the best of America for future generations. Learn more about Mr. Wyss’ philanthropic efforts by visiting https://www.wyssfoundation.org/about-hansjorg-wyss.