The Grand Challenges Network has awarded $5 million to 50 recipients to develop health solutions leveraging artificial intelligence.
The GCN launched an AI funding call to promote equitable and responsible AI use as emerging technologies, including machine learning and quantum computing, are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace.
In a statement, the GCN stated that the initiative builds on the success of an earlier global cohort of AI innovators supported by the Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges programme.
According to the report by Punch newspaper, the collaborative effort of GCN involved partners from across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas, including Grand Challenges Africa, supported by the Science for Africa Foundation, Grand Challenges Brazil, supported by Brazil’s Ministry of Health and Grand Challenges Canada, supported by the Government of Canada.
It added that Grand Challenges Ethiopia is supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Grand Challenges India is supported by the Indian government and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistant Council, and Grand Challenges Senegal is supported by Institut Pasteur de Dakar, while Grand Challenges South Africa is supported by the South African Medical Research Council and the Department of Science and Innovation and Global partners, including the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and the Pasteur Network.
The GCN explained that the funded AI-driven projects cover areas, including clinical decision support, health systems strengthening, health communications, patient journeys, support for frontline workers, public health and policy-making, clinical trials, diagnostics, and population health.
“These innovations aim to improve healthcare accessibility, empower individuals in managing their health, foster research and innovation, and address unique healthcare challenges in LMICs,” the statement said.
GIK/APA