Hansjörg Wyss (Harvard M.B.A. ’65) is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and conservationist whose support for medical innovation, science, education, and the arts has had a profound global impact. After moving to the United States more than four decades ago, Mr. Wyss led Synthes USA, transforming it into a global leader in medical device innovation. Following the company’s success, he turned his focus toward philanthropy, dedicating his resources to initiatives that foster discovery, creativity, and societal progress.
Through the Wyss Foundation, Mr. Wyss has supported a wide array of interdisciplinary efforts addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. His philanthropic investments – spanning biomedical research, environmental conservation, education, and the arts – empower individuals and institutions across continents to pursue transformative work.
In 2008, Mr. Wyss committed $125 million to establish the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, a revolutionary cross-disciplinary institute at the intersection of biology, engineering, and medicine. Since then, he has continued to support the Wyss Institute’s mission, committing nearly $800 million overall to advance its work. Today, the Institute stands as a global research leader, accelerating the development of technologies that improve human health and the environment.
Mr. Wyss continues to fulfill a lifelong commitment to discovery and innovation. Through his philanthropic leadership, he supports institutions that improve lives, protect our planet, and inspire the next generation of scientists, artists, and changemakers.