See also Calico, which is essentially what you describe. I think they have more than 100M.
In my estimation 100M is enough to set up and fund a large-scale research enterprise for 5 years. It's harder to get critical mass if you spread it out longer than that, and it's certainly not enough to establish an endowment for a research institute.
Purely theoretical or software research is cheaper.
Comments
See also Calico, which is essentially what you describe. I think they have more than 100M.
In my estimation 100M is enough to set up and fund a large-scale research enterprise for 5 years. It's harder to get critical mass if you spread it out longer than that, and it's certainly not enough to establish an endowment for a research institute.
Purely theoretical or software research is cheaper.