Centre for Future Generations (CFG)

Centre for Future Generations (CFG), formerly known as the International Centre for Future Generations, is an independent think-and-do tank headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It was founded in 2022 by Steven Schuurman — an internationally recognized tech entrepreneur best known for founding SpringSource (acquired by VMware in 2009) and Elastic (NYSE: ESTC) — and Laurens de Groot, a social entrepreneur and former career crime investigator. The idea was conceived in 2021, the organization became operational in 2022 with its first team in Rotterdam, and in 2023 it established its primary headquarters at Norrsken House in Brussels. CFG's mission is to ensure that rapidly advancing technologies are developed and deployed in the best interests of humanity, both present and future. The organization focuses on four key technology domains: advanced artificial intelligence, emerging biotechnologies, climate interventions (including solar radiation management), and neurotechnology. It also runs a Policy Incubator to address governance gaps in other frontier technology areas. The organization works across three interconnected pillars. First, it anticipates emerging technology scenarios through rigorous foresight methods to identify risks and governance challenges before they become crises. Second, it informs policymakers — particularly in Europe and international institutions — through independent, policy-oriented research and analysis. Third, it influences policy by proposing concrete solutions and actively advocating for their adoption by relevant decision-makers. CFG is a nonprofit entirely funded by philanthropic foundations, research agencies, and individual donors. Its seed funding was provided by the Dreamery Foundation (co-founder Steven Schuurman's philanthropic initiative) and the Tanka Foundation, which together cover baseline operating costs for the first five years. General operating support also comes from the Powoki Foundation. Program-specific funders include ARIA (the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency), ACX Grants (through Manifund), the AI Safety Tactical Opportunities Fund, the Quadrature Climate Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, DAFgiving360/The LAD Climate Fund, and Giving What We Can USA Inc. In January 2025, CFG's board appointed Thomas Lingard as CEO, effective March 2025. Lingard brings over 25 years of experience in sustainability, innovation, and policy, most recently as Global Head of Sustainability at Unilever. CFG underwent a brand refresh in late 2024, simplifying its name and updating its visual identity while maintaining its core mission. The organization has been recognized as one of the "100 think tanks to watch in 2025." In early 2026, CFG's Advanced AI program relocated to a new institutional home, reflecting the organization's evolving structure and focus.