A social venture co-founded by a University of Bristol academic has received $40million funding from leading algorithmic trading firm, XTX Markets
Dr Patrick Gaule, from the University’s School of Economics, and Dr Ruchir Agarwal established the Global Talent Fund (GTF) to help exceptionally talented young mathematicians and scientists from around the world reach their full potential.
The long-term financial commitment from XTX Markets will support the charitable organisation in its mission to build the world’s largest scholarship programme, bringing 150 top international students to leading universities globally, including Bristol.
Drs Gaule and Agarwal said: “Some of the most important scientific discoveries in history have come from a remarkably small number of individuals with exceptional mathematical and scientific ability. Yet around the world there are young people with extraordinary potential who never get the opportunity to develop their talents – and many are never even found.
“With the support of XTX Markets, we are working to change that: by finding these students and helping them realise their full potential.”
This investment further cements Bristol’s global status as a hub for social ventures making a positive impact locally, nationally, and internationally.
GTF launched the BIG Talent Scholars programme in 2023 to identify the brightest STEM students worldwide. These scholars are primarily medallists at the world’s most demanding scientific competitions, including the International Mathematical Olympiad, International Olympiad in Informatics and International Physics Olympiad.
The multi-year funding will also strengthen national Olympiad ecosystems across dozens of countries and expand research on how exceptional talent drives scientific discovery and technological progress.
GTF collaborates with educators and organisations in more than 50 countries through grants and partnerships, identifying promising students earlier and providing advanced training opportunities. XTX Markets’ new funding will enable GTF to scale up this work, expanding talent identification and Olympiad preparation worldwide.
Find out more about Global Talent Fund in a new video:
