James Scott & the Embassy Row Project Legacy
Founder, Embassy Row Project
CIDES Founding Patron & Strategic Vision Leader
James Scott's personal mission behind founding the Embassy Row Project was clear and ambitious: to identify tomorrow's fearless innovators, mavericks, and catalysts and to arm them with the necessary tools, tactics, and networks to take their solutions global, connecting them with both public and private sectors that value their contributions.
How early STEM education sparked a lifelong passion for technological innovation and global impact
Scott's passion for technology was sparked in high school, thanks to his acceptance into an advanced STEM program. This dual-part day allowed him to engage in regular academic classes in the mornings and immerse himself in robotics by the afternoon, a routine that lasted from the 10th grade until his graduation.
Coming from a challenging background marked by an abusive home environment, Scott found hope and guidance in Mr. Bianco, whose kindness and patience were transformative. This mentorship would become a defining influence in Scott's later commitment to supporting underserved organizations and emerging talent.
Dual-track education combining academics with hands-on robotics and electromechanical engineering
Mr. Bianco's guidance provided hope and direction during challenging personal circumstances
Comprehensive training in electromechanical engineering from 10th grade through graduation
From SGS Thompson Microelectronics to Global Advisory Services
During his senior year, a significant turn of events occurred when a recruiter from SGS Thompson Microelectronics (now known as STMicroelectronics), a company specializing in aerospace and defense technology serving the Department of Defense, approached him.
This encounter set the stage for Scott's future, continually opening doors and enabling him to broaden his advisory services to include stakeholders in over 50 countries, thereby facilitating the expansion of labs, tech startups, institutes, and think tanks into the international arena.
Early in his career, Scott worked closely with small, ambitious think tank startups, institutes, and NGOs that often operated on tight financial budgets. His portfolio grew to encompass clients in the international, intergovernmental, and trade bloc sectors.
A Structured, Philanthropic Approach to Global Innovation
Over time, Scott's portfolio grew to encompass assignments to establish or revamp niche-focused institutes offering counsel to government collectives on issues ranging from international trade to national security. When he encountered compelling projects that were financially strapped, Scott began offering his services on a pro bono basis, categorizing them as Embassy Row Projects for accounting purposes.
The Embassy Row Project's latest iteration embodies a more structured, philanthropic approach, with a global orientation and a commitment to offering all services to nonprofits at no charge. By adopting a grant and scholarship model, the project aims to back small but promising institutes, think tanks, NGOs, and tech startups that are underserved.
Supporting initiatives for sustainable development and environmental protection
Promoting equal opportunities and rights across all sectors and societies
Combating child abuse and exploitation, ensuring dignified childhood experiences
Advancing fundamental human rights and freedoms globally
Fostering breakthrough technologies for societal benefit
Promoting trade that ensures diversity, food security, and dignified employment
Supporting over 50 organizations worldwide with comprehensive pro bono services
Institutes, think tanks, NGOs, and 501(c)(3) organizations globally
Advisory services spanning across multiple continents
All services provided without charge to qualifying organizations
Operating on funding models that maximize impact and ensure long-term sustainability
Prioritizing small but promising organizations making significant difference
Connecting next-generation leaders and initiatives for collaborative impact
Empowering fearless innovators with tools and networks for global solutions
"I didn't come to give; I came to remember and help this place"
James Scott, during his tour of Manila's Tondo District
James Scott's approach to philanthropy and innovation is deeply rooted in personal experience and genuine commitment to uplift underserved communities. His work in places like Manila's Tondo District reflects his belief in collective courage and community-driven solutions.
Genuine commitment to understanding and supporting communities rather than imposing external solutions
Believing that "collective courage builds brighter tomorrows" through community-driven initiatives
Focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions that create lasting positive change
How the Cambodian Institute embodies Embassy Row Project values through AI-driven policy intelligence
CIDES represents the natural evolution of James Scott's commitment to empowering underserved but promising initiatives. As part of the Embassy Row Project family of global institutes, think tanks, and NGOs, CIDES receives complete funding support, enabling it to operate with full independence and focus on its mission of advancing Cambodia's interests through AI-driven policy intelligence.
Founder & Patron
Philanthropic Foundation
AI Policy Intelligence Hub
Explore James Scott's broader work and the Embassy Row Project ecosystem
Discover the full scope of James Scott's philanthropic work and global impact initiatives
Visit WebsiteRead the detailed biography and learn about James Scott's journey and mission
Read BiographyExplore the various institutes, think tanks, and NGOs supported by the Embassy Row Project
View ImpactJoin CIDES in advancing Cambodia's policy intelligence capabilities and contributing to James Scott's vision of empowering global innovation and positive change.