The Grand Challenges Network (GCN), an African-led global initiative, has allocated $5 million to 50 recipients for developing health solutions using artificial intelligence.
GCN announced this funding during the launch of an AI funding call aimed at promoting equitable AI usage. Emerging technologies like machine learning and quantum computing are rapidly transforming the world.
The initiative builds on the success of previous AI projects supported by the Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges program.
The funded projects focus on various areas, including clinical decision support, health systems strengthening, health communications, patient journeys, frontline worker support, public health, policy-making, clinical trials, diagnostics, and population health.
These innovations aim to enhance healthcare accessibility, empower individuals, foster research and innovation, and address unique healthcare challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, emphasized the importance of supporting local innovators who understand their communities’ needs to realize AI’s full potential.
Ntusi noted that the initiative would enable the use of new approaches like Large Language Models (LLMs) to significantly improve health outcomes.
GCN partnered with organizations across Africa, Southeast Asia, and America, including:
- Grand Challenges Africa, supported by the Science for Africa Foundation
- Grand Challenges Brazil, supported by Brazil’s Ministry of Health
- Grand Challenges Canada, supported by the Government of Canada
- Grand Challenges Ethiopia, supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute
- Grand Challenges India, supported by the Indian government and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistant Council
- Grand Challenges Senegal, supported by Institut Pasteur de Dakar
- Grand Challenges South Africa, supported by the South African Medical Research Council and the Department of Science and Innovation
Global partners include the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and the Pasteur Network.
