CHAPTER ONE: THE ORIGIN STORY

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Like the first episode of a series or the opening chapter of a book, this post invites you into the story of IMMERSION and iiCARE—who we are, why we exist, and how two co-founders’ personal quests shaped an organization dedicated to solving critical challenges around the globe. Each “chapter" or blog of this story offers a glimpse into our origins and the driving forces behind our mission.

The Genesis of IMMERSION

Imagine a collaborative workshop buzzing with creative energy—entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and investors all converging around prototypes designed to tackle healthcare inequities or spark educational reforms. That’s IMMERSION: an innovation consortium where we unite family offices, foundations, researchers, and public agencies to co-create dynamic solutions for urgent social, economic, and healthcare needs.

• Venture Philanthropy: We channel philanthropic capital into high-impact ventures, accelerating ideas that are poised for global influence.
• Deep Partnerships: By collaborating with ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) and other advanced research groups, we ensure emerging breakthroughs find real-world application.
• A Thriving Ecosystem: IMMERSION isn’t just a network; it’s a unified system designed to mentor, fund, and scale ventures that address both local concerns and global priorities.

From Vision to Impact—Innovation, Collaboration, and Commercialization

True change isn’t about sporadic creativity; it’s about transforming bold visions into actionable strategies. IMMERSION stands at the crossroads of:

1. Advanced Research – Our role with the ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub and Customer Experience Hub positions us to harness cutting-edge discoveries for mainstream use.
2. Collaboration at Scale – Whether in biotech, community tech platforms, or economic empowerment, we help innovators forge multi-sector alliances.
3. Commercialization – We bridge research and tangible outcomes, turning breakthroughs into sustainable products or services that can grow, adapt, and thrive in real-world markets.

By aligning these elements, we ensure that every breakthrough—whether scientific, technological, or financial—has a direct channel to the communities that need it most.

Who We Support

Researchers + Innovators

• The Challenge: Access to funding and global partnerships often remains a hurdle, despite brilliant ideas.
• Our Role: IMMERSION provides grant-funding support, commercialization pathways, and worldwide networking to turn promising innovations into impactful realities.

Family Offices + Foundations

• The Challenge: Aligning large-scale philanthropic endeavors with initiatives that produce real, measurable change.
• Our Role: Through tailored programs and strategic collaborations, we fuse purpose with profitability, helping philanthropic capital do more than make a dent—it makes a difference that endures.

Public + Private Organizations

• The Challenge: Industry-wide challenges—like healthcare gaps or educational inequities—often need cross-sector partnership to move the needle.
• Our Role: By drawing on our global network of innovators, we build ethical, transformational alliances. From corporate ventures to community initiatives, we curate solutions that deliver quantifiable results.

Meet the Founders

Nathan Harris — Co-Founder & General Partner

Envision a leader who merges technology with workforce development to create better futures. That’s Nathan Harris. He’s the CEO of EASE, a platform focused on upskilling and empowering a diverse pipeline of talent for high-growth sectors. Nathan sits on the board of the Arizona Technology Council, the StartedUp Foundation—the largest high school innovation program in the nation—and more. Recognized by Gener8tor, Plug & Play Tech Center, and Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, he exemplifies the creative synergy that underpins IMMERSION.

Kiam Cook — Co-Founder & Managing Partner

From leading in the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom to driving private-sector initiatives in economic development and cancer research, Kiam Cook is a force of nature. His track record includes forging strong alliances that uplift underserved communities, as well as championing innovative technologies to address social challenges. His work ethic and devotion to making a meaningful impact highlight the resilience and sense of duty at the core of IMMERSION.

The Birth of iiCARE—A Deeply Personal Mission

For both Nathan and Kiam, iiCARE wasn’t a strategic plan—it was a necessity shaped by lived experiences. Having encountered firsthand the healthcare barriers and financial disparities plaguing countless families, the team felt a moral obligation to build something that could effectively bridge those gaps.

• Philanthropic Arm: iiCARE channels resources from philanthropic donors, celebrity partners, and corporate sponsors into actionable solutions in healthcare and education.
• A Personal Spark: The stories that fueled iiCARE’s creation are raw, personal, and will be shared in-depth throughout this blog series, illustrating how adversity often catalyzes game-changing initiatives.

iiCARE Health Alliance & The Play for Purpose Campaign

iiCARE Health Alliance

Launched as our first major project, the iiCARE Health Alliance merges advanced medical research with localized community care to improve health outcomes for underserved populations. By connecting philanthropic resources and clinical experts, we aim to transform how communities receive and benefit from the latest health technologies.

Play for Purpose

The Play for Purpose campaign represents a high-energy collaboration with legendary sports figures: Ray Lewis, Leigh Steinberg, Rick Barry, Allan Houston, and more. By weaving philanthropy into sporting events, we’ve garnered unprecedented awareness and funding.

Key Partner Highlights

• Google & Code Next: Bringing STEM education to youth in underserved areas, creating pathways to lucrative tech careers.
• Pathfinder Foundation & SF Junior Deputies: Cultivating leadership skills and civic engagement in youth at the local level.
• Community-Oriented Groups: Harnessing grassroots momentum, ensuring resources genuinely serve those in need.

Join Our Journey—What to Expect Next

IMMERSION and iiCARE are still early in this transformative journey—but we’re sprinting forward with unstoppable momentum. In upcoming chapters of this blog series, you’ll see:

1. Personal Stories Unveiled: The journeys behind our founders and partners that illuminate why we do what we do.
2. Community Spotlights: Behind-the-scenes looks at projects and local champions driving visible progress.
3. Design-Thinking Insights: An inside scoop on how we use data, creativity, and strategic planning to expand solutions far beyond pilot phases.

How You Can Support

• Subscribe to our blog: Stay connected to each new “chapter” in the story.
• Donate to iiCARE: Fuel the iiCARE Health Alliance, Play for Purpose, and future initiatives that tackle persistent healthcare, educational, and economic barriers.
• Partner With Us: If you represent a family office, foundation, or corporate entity, we invite you to explore co-investment or philanthropic collaborations to magnify your impact.

Thank you for joining us for Chapter One of our Origin Story. The path ahead is filled with challenges and triumphs, but we move forward confident that—together—we can co-create a more equitable and thriving world. Stay tuned for the next installment in this series as we peel back more layers of our personal journeys and the real stories that fueled both IMMERSION and iiCARE.

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