Foresight Institute

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The Foresight Nanotech Institute (formerly Foresight Institute) is a Palo Alto, California-based nonprofit organization which disseminates information about molecular nanotechnology in order to increase awareness of its uses and consequences. Their primary means of doing so is through sponsoring conferences on the subject, and they also publish a newsletter.

The Institute was founded in 1986 by K. Eric Drexler, who is no longer with the Institute, along with Christine Peterson, who is the current Vice-President of Public Policy. Also on the board are Brad Templeton, Glenn Reynolds, and James Bennett.

Foresight Institute was founded to guide emerging technologies to improve the human condition. Foresight focused its efforts upon nanotechnology, the coming ability to build materials and products with atomic precision, and upon systems that will enhance knowledge exchange and critical discussion, thus improving public and private policy decisions."[1] In 2005 the Foresight Institute changed its name to "Foresight Nanotech Institute" and changed its mission: "Foresight’s new mission is to ensure the beneficial implementation of nanotechnology. Foresight is accomplishing this by providing balanced, accurate and timely information to help society understand and utilize nanotechnology through public policy activities, publications, guidelines, networking events, tutorials, conferences, roadmaps and prizes."[2]

Two sister organizations were formed: the Institute for Molecular Manufacturing and the Center for Constitutional Issues in Technology.