Google.org, on Monday, announced an investment of €25M to support AI training and skill development in Europe.
With a particular focus on reaching vulnerable and underserved communities, this initiative aims to ensure that everyone can benefit from the potential of artificial intelligence.
“Working in partnership with governments and local communities, we’ll provide a range of foundational and advanced AI training to support vulnerable communities, startups, and everyone,” says Matt Brittin President of Google Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
As part of the commitment, Google.org is starting by investing €10M to equip workers with the skills they need to avoid being left behind.
AI Opportunity Fund: Europe
Google’s “AI Opportunity Fund: Europe” is seeking applications from social enterprises and nonprofits to help reach people who could benefit from training. This is in partnership with the Centre for Public Impact.
Selected organisations will receive bespoke and facilitated training on foundational AI in local languages delivered directly to the workers in their communities — as well as cash grants for critical wraparound support, such as childcare or compensation for pay, to remove the barrier to learning.
Adrian Brown, Executive Director, of the Centre for Public Impact, says, “AI has enormous potential to transform the world. Yet research shows that the benefits of AI could exacerbate existing inequalities — especially in terms of economic security and employment. This new program will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence around AI, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Introduces Google for Startups Growth Academies
Google’s AI opportunity initiative includes a new series of Google for Startups Growth Academies across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The equity-free program is designed to provide support to startups that are using AI to tackle the most pressing challenges in society, such as those in the fields of health, education, and cybersecurity.
This program enables startups to increase their user base, scale their operations, and expand globally by leveraging Google’s products, industry best practices, and network of experts.
AI foundational courses in 18 languages
As a part of the AI Opportunity Initiative, Google also provides AI foundational courses in 18 languages, free of charge and available to everyone
The offering has a series of modules on introductory AI skills to help people and businesses get practical skills and knowledge.
Further, Google will be adding more resources to its Google Career Certificates program, which is three to six months long and provides a professional certificate, to help learners discover how professionals in their fields use AI while gaining hands-on experience applying AI to workplace scenarios.
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