The Global Talent Lab Launches the 'Backing Invisible Geniuses' (BIG) UK Programme with a Founding Donation of XTX Markets and in Partnership with the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

The Global Talent Lab, in partnership with XTX Markets and the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), proudly introduces the BIG UK Programme. This initiative is designed to identify and nurture global talent, positioning them to push the boundaries in mathematics, science, and AI. 

Bridging the Talent Gap: The BIG UK Programme targets high-school students who have excelled in International Science Olympiads. We extend scholarships, financial support, and a network of talented peers to both international and UK students, especially those without substantial resources, enabling them to study at top-tier UK universities such as Cambridge and Imperial. Without such initiatives, many talented students could miss these premier educational opportunities, leaving their potential unrealised. Through our programme we are building a diverse STEM community, anchored in a culture of excellence.

UK as a Nexus of Excellence: With its world-class universities, tradition of ground-breaking research, and innovation hubs, the UK provides an ideal home for this endeavour. The vision is to create cohorts of students primed to make notable contributions in domains like mathematics, science, and AI. With a pilot group of about 30 students from both the UK and abroad, this initiative promises them financial backing and vital support for their undergraduate education.

Partnerships for Progress: The BIG UK Programme is a unique collaboration between the philanthropic, policy, academic, educational, and entrepreneurship communities. By drawing on the distinct strengths of the various stakeholders, the programme aims to deliver an ecosystem where talent is nurtured, innovation is encouraged, and the next generation of STEM leaders is prepared to face global challenges with creativity and expertise.

Co-Founders of the Global Talent Lab, Ruchir Agarwal and Patrick Gaule, said:

"Around the world lies untapped potential, waiting to push the frontiers of human knowledge. Without initiatives like ours, much of this invaluable talent and their transformative ideas could remain unrealised.

Our future hinges on the minds we cultivate today. Through the BIG UK Programme, we are backing invisible geniuses, fostering progress, and setting the stage for groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology."

Head of Philanthropy at XTX Markets, Simon Coyle, said:

“XTX Markets is excited to be partnering with the Global Talent Lab to establish the BIG UK Programme and to fund scholarships for medallists in International Science Olympiads to continue their studies at top UK universities.

As XTX Markets’ experience shows, and research from the Global Talent Lab confirms, Olympiad medallists can be exceptionally productive in their scientific output, so we are delighted to support these students on their journey, especially those for whom financial barriers would limit their opportunities to excel.”

Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

“The BIG UK Programme is more than an educational initiative; it is a testament to the positive power of maths, science, and AI. In recognising and nurturing hidden talents, we are not only investing in the future of these remarkable individuals but also in the future of science, technology, and our society as a whole.

“This Government wants the UK’s world-class Universities to celebrate and champion the top AI and tech talent. This initiative will serve as a magnet for top STEM professionals, further enhancing Britain's status as a global hub for excellence.”

Director of Admissions at Trinity College, Cambridge, Professor Glen Rangwala, said:

“Competition from students around the world for a place at Trinity is high and we are delighted that this partnership will enable the College to offer more bursaries for those with the potential to benefit from our world-class teaching and learning, both at Trinity and the University of Cambridge.” 

Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, Professor Colm-Cille Patrick Caulfield, said:

“Mathematics in Cambridge has a rich and varied past, a vibrant present, and looks forward to leading ever more diverse and pioneering work in the future. We are delighted to be partnering with GTL to give some of the best young mathematicians from all over the world the opportunity to study here in Cambridge, joining our outstanding cohort of undergraduate mathematicians as they continue their journeys of mathematical discovery."

Head of the Department of Mathematics at Imperial College London, Professor Axel Gandy, and Deputy Head of the Department of Physics for Enterprise, Impact and Engagement at Imperial College London, Professor Rupert Oulton, said:

“We were excited by the scheme for its power to attract the best talent to Imperial and the UK without borders or financial barriers. The best way for science to take on many of the challenges of today, including artificial intelligence, global health and the climate crisis, is to make sure every capable student has the tools to thrive. We look forward to welcoming the first BIG students to Imperial in 2024.”

About:

The Global Talent Lab (GTL) is a research institute and charity that explores how talented individuals drive innovation and frontier science, and seeks to remove barriers hindering their full potential. GTL is spearheading the Backing Invisible Geniuses (BIG) initiative, which aims to connect high-potential high school students with premier educational opportunities. Learn more.

XTX Markets is a leading algorithmic trading firm which partners with counterparties, exchanges and e-trading venues globally to provide liquidity in the Equity, FX, Fixed Income, Futures and Commodity markets. XTX has over 200 employees based in London, Paris, New York, Mumbai, Yerevan and Singapore. The company’s corporate philanthropy focuses on STEM education and maximum impact giving (alongside an employee matching programme). Since 2017, XTX has donated over £80 million to charities and good causes, establishing it as a major donor in the UK and globally. Learn more.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is committed to fostering innovation that uplifts public services, generates employment opportunities, and stimulates economic growth. As a ministerial department, it is supported by 15 agencies and public entities. Learn more.