1) Delay: advocate for DNA-synthesis screening and KYC to deny access to pathogens2) Detect: create a pandemic early warning system for novel pathogens3) Defend: stockpile ppe to keep critical workers safe when a pandemic hits
1) Delay: advocate for DNA-synthesis screening and KYC to deny access to pathogens2) Detect: create a pandemic early warning system for novel pathogens3) Defend: stockpile ppe to keep critical workers safe when a pandemic hits
Project Details
Updated 07/13/26 · Edited by orgThe goal of this project is to prove the thesis and de-risk the launch of The Aegis Project in Australia.
To achieve this goal I will:
- Connect with relevant experts to advise on key strategic questions such as:
- Blockers for adopting dna synthesis screening / KYC
- Most cost effective novel pathogen early detection system
- Size and location of national stockpile (my understanding is proEquip have advanced thinking here)
- Likelihood of policy diffusion, existing efforts in other countries
- Binding constraint for Australia's existing pandemic defence system
- Conduct a gap analysis of the existing defences in Australia and build a counterfactual thesis for The Aegis Project
- Setup legal entity and charity registration
- Source a scientific co-founder or principal, form an ongoing advisory board and find a government champion
- Partner with relevant Australian institutions (e.g. Australia Centre for Disease Control and AusTrakka the national pathogen genomics surveillance platform)
- Develop a costed, technical plan per pillar with milestone/tranches
- Flesh out theory of change and success metrics e.g. define 'gold standard' (detection lead time, stockpile weeks of cover) and exit plan (government absorbs, scale internationally, sunset)
- Fundraise philanthropic capital to execute plan
Currently it is just me involved. The top priority is sourcing experts and a scientific cofounder.
Theory of Impact
Updated 07/17/26 · By grantmaking.aiAI bio capability increases the marginal risk of an engineered pandemic because the intersection of people with intent and those with capability to create a bioweapon rises. Bioterrorists can use AI to guide them through virus synthesis and even design new sequences that evade detection methods or are more deadly/viral, posing an x-risk.
The Aegis Project reduces this elevated risk through a defence in depth strategy:
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Make it harder to acquire the raw materials i.e. the raw dna fragments
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Buy time to develop countermeasures via a shutdown
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Detect outbreaks early to 1) give more time for a policy response and 2) reduce the number of people affected such that society can still function (e.g. if AIDS like ‘stealth’ pathogen or rapidly spreading ‘wildfire’ pathogen)
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Provide sufficient protection for critical workers to carry out essentials services (food, energy, logistics)
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The Aegis Project builds defences in a highly tractable location first. Australia has an mRNA facility, existing genomic detection capability, can mandate DNA screening without legislative change and is a small but rich population which puts the funding required within range of philanthropy and a single institutional body to work with.
People
Updated 07/17/26 · By grantmaking.aiTeam Member
Funding Details
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- 1 year
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- Seeking first grant
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