It was created according to the will of the late entrepreneur António de Sommer Champalimaud, in 2004.

[1] The mission of the Foundation is "to develop programmes of advanced biomedical research and provide clinical care of excellence, with a focus on translating pioneering scientific discoveries into solutions which can improve the quality of life of individuals around the world."

The foundation undertakes research in the fields of neuroscience and oncology at the modernistic Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Belém, opened in 2011.

The CCC tries to customize the therapies in order to achieve more effectiveness in controlling and treating the diseases.

The acting President is Leonor Beleza appointed by António Champalimaud in his will.