Google has launched a mysterious new project called Calico. It’s “a new company focused on health and well-being, in particular the challenge of aging and associated diseases,” Google said in a short press release on Wednesday.
What will Calico do, exactly? That’s unclear. One curious bit of news: Calico will be run by Art Levinson, chairman of both Apple’s and Genentech’s boards. Google didn’t revealed many more details about the project and what types of products or services may come out of it.
The Google CEO gave an interview to Time magazine that included a bit more information about his philosophy, but the end goal was still vague: “Maybe we should shoot for the things that are really, really important so ten or 20 years from now we have those things done.”
On his Google Plus post about the Calico launch, Page warned that shareholders shouldn’t “be surprised if we invest in projects that seem strange or speculative compared with our existing Internet businesses.” He also noted investments like Calico “are very small by comparison to our core business.”
He’s made similar statements about side projects like Google Glass, but the Calico health-care venture is unique in that it will be a company separate from Google.
It’s not the first time Page has waded into the health-care field. In May 2013, Page disclosed that he has vocal-cord paralysis and announced he will personally fund a “significant research program” through the Voice Health Institute. Page’s announcement came after nearly a year of speculation about his shockingly raspy voice at public events.
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The above story is based on materials provided by cnn.com, Julianne Pepitone.
