The second edition of the Hevolution Global Healthspan Summit 2025 took place last week in Riyadh, marking another milestone in the field of healthspan and longevity research. Organized by Hevolution Foundation, the world’s largest philanthropic organization funding initiatives in aging research, the summit brought together over 3,000 attendees, 150+ speakers, and thought leaders from across the globe. The event has solidified the Saudi backed summit’s reputation as a hub for scientists, investors, and researchers, where transformative ideas take shape and groundbreaking collaborations are formed.
A Billion-Dollar-A-Year Anti Aging Initiative
At the heart of the summit was Saudi Arabia’s ambitious billion-dollar-a-year healthspan initiative, spearheaded by the Hevolution Foundation. With a sweeping portfolio of grants and investments spanning three continents, the Foundation is transformative breakthroughs in aging science. To date, over $400 million in research grants have been awarded, benefiting more than 200 global laboratories and 250 scientists, including 245 researchers in Saudi Arabia.
In his opening remarks, Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation, highlighted the organization’s rapid ascent:
Just over a year ago, we launched the first-ever Global Healthspan Summit. Today, we are the second-largest funder of geroscience and aging biology in the world.
He emphasized the organization’s commitment to shifting the conversation from longevity to healthspan, asking the critical question: “Can we live healthy as long as possible?”
Khan also acknowledged Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose vision and support have been instrumental in Hevolution’s establishment and success: “As recently as four or five days ago, he wanted to know if everything was on track.”
People Over 60 to Double by 2050
The conference shed light on the urgent need for innovation in aging research. With over one billion people aged 60+ today—a number projected to double by 2050—the economic, social, and healthcare systems face unprecedented pressure.
According to H.R.H. Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Alsaud, Senior VP of Research at Hevolution Foundation, “We are not living longer and healthier; we are living longer and getting more sick.” She emphasized the economic potential of healthspan optimization, from reducing healthcare expenditure to preserving workforce productivity, particularly for women.
Investments in Healthspan Initiatives
Hevolution Foundation is not only funding transformative research but is also actively starting companies and investing across the value chain—from ideation to clinical trials. Dr. William Greene, Chief Investment Officer, summarized the Hevolution Foundation’s investment approach: “We’re welcoming bold next-generation ideas.”
Notable investments announced at the Global Healthspan Summit include:
- $230 million for pre-clinical projects in aging biology through the Geroscience Research Opportunities Program.
- $32.4 million to Northwestern University for proteostasis research.
- $20 million to Albert Einstein College of Medicine for senescence studies under Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo.
- $5.2 million in grants to develop local talent in Saudi Arabia. The grants will fund the first cohort of aging researchers across leading Saudi institutions.
Call to Action
In his closing remarks, Mehmood Khan captured the immense potential of the healthspan industry:
“For entrepreneurs, there is no other business in the world that will affect every single one of the 8 billion humans. This is an opportunity to create businesses that will not only deliver financial returns but touch the lives of every single person.”
The Hevolution Global HealthSpan Summit 2025 showcased Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing healthspan research and promoting global collaboration by uniting the world’s leading minds shaping this field. As the Hevolution Foundation continues to fuel innovation in the field, the world watches with anticipation for the breakthroughs that will redefine healthy aging.
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