Mercatus Center, George Mason University (USA)

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is a research institution based in Arlington, Virginia, USA. Although it is widely recognised for its market-oriented economic research, the centre also administers Emergent Ventures, a fellowship and grant initiative designed for entrepreneurs and thinkers pursuing scalable, original ideas that aim to improve society.

Emergent Ventures was established in 2018 and is overseen by economist Tyler Cowen. The programme offers grants and fellowships to innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs across the globe. It operates with a deliberately minimal administrative structure, keeping processes simple and welcoming unconventional proposals. Anyone aged 13 or older worldwide can apply, and there is a dedicated India track for projects focused on that country. The programme prioritises initiatives that advance prosperity, opportunity, liberty, and wellbeing, without restricting applicants to any particular sector.

In April 2020, the centre launched Fast Grants, a spin-off of Emergent Ventures, to provide rapid funding to scientists working on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.