The phrase 'lay the foundation of' refers to the process of establishing or creating something. There are several synonyms for this term, each of which may convey a slightly different nuance depending on the context. For instance, 'establish' might suggest the idea of setting up a system or organization, while 'create' implies a more artistic or imaginative process. 'Build' and 'develop' both carry the connotation of gradual progress over time, while 'initiate' suggests the start of a new project or venture. Other possible synonyms for 'lay the foundation of' include 'foster,' 'pioneer,' 'begin,' 'launch,' 'originate,' and 'plant the seeds'.