Epstein funded AI pioneer, helped him get HK$8.9 million in Hong Kong government grants

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Connor MycroftFebruary 16, 2026 at 01:30 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

A South China Morning Post investigation revealed that Jeffrey Epstein provided at least US$113,000 to AI scholar Ben Goertzel between 2010 and 2015. Goertzel, known for his work in artificial general intelligence and his association with Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong, used the funding for his open-source AI framework, OpenCog. The support from Epstein helped Goertzel secure at least HK$8.9 million in Hong Kong government grants while he was based at Polytechnic University. Email exchanges indicate Goertzel sought continued funding from Epstein even after the latter's underage sex activities resurfaced in the news. Goertzel stated he regrets the association and was unaware of Epstein's illegal activities. The relationship highlights Epstein's involvement in academia and science through financial support.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

OpenCog 35% United States Justice Department 40% Hanson Robotics 40% Polytechnic University 50% United States ×260% South China Morning Post ×270% Hong Kong ×480% Ben Goertzel ×890% Jeffrey Epstein ×795%

Keywords

jeffrey epstein 100% ben goertzel 90% artificial intelligence 80% hong kong government grants 70% funding 60% artificial general intelligence 50% opencog 40% hanson robotics 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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jeffrey epstein ben goertzel artificial intelligence hong kong government grants funding artificial general intelligence opencog hanson robotics

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