Stem cells were discovered in 1981. They were first isolated from the tissues of mice, as business leader Jason Hope explains. By 1998, researchers had developed a way to derive human stem cells from human embryos and grow the cells in a laboratory setting. The initial discovery of stem cells and how they work to grow all kinds of biological tissues.

These go from bones to muscle tissue and new organs – was greeted as among the most exciting and potentially revolutionary developments in medical science history. In the intervening 40-plus years, however, stem cell scientists have learned that building on this discovery has proven to be a far more complicated challenge than anticipated. Nevertheless, futurist and successful entrepreneur Jason Hope remains excited by the possibilities and potentials of what stem cells may portend for the future of mankind.

Hope said that investment in stem cell research continues to be robust. For example, investors have poured in $1.48 billion in embryonic stem cell research since 2009. They also dedicated $3.96 billion to non-embryonic stem cell research in the same period. Jason Hope was among the first to invest in the promise of stem cell technology and its many applications in curing disease, its potential to regenerate organs and its connection to anti-aging medical technology.

After finding success in the internet and other tech fields, Jason Hope quickly turned to philanthropy to bolster projects he perceived as having the best chance to cure major diseases and bring hope to millions of people. Of particular interest is the work of the SENS organization. SENS stands for Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence.

The focus is SENS is looking for ways, including the use of stem cells, to cure degenerative diseases of various kinds. SENS is also seeking the development of ways to prevent diseases from happening in the first place. Jason Hope understands that more time, money and research is needed to bring stem cell technology to greater practical application. However, he believes the potential of this research is just too important to ignore.