For some, 2023 was the year artificial intelligence became real. Tools like ChatGPT became part of the zeitgeist, as did concerns over their use. In the philanthropic world, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation made multiple commitments in areas such as health care and to promote greater equity around the world. The Omidyar Network, the Democracy Fund, the Wallace Global Fund, and the David and Lucile Packard, Ford, Heising-Simons, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur, Kapor, Mozilla, and Open Society foundations also launched a $200 million initiative to ensure that AI advances the public interest by promoting its responsible use and innovation while mitigating harms. Still, the potential for misuse of such powerful technology remains a significant concern, and the Gates Foundation published an essay by CEO Mark Suzman, articulating the foundation’s approach to working with AI across its program strategies and integrating AI’s benefits into project outcomes while navigating the various challenges.

Here are some of the top stories from 2023:

Gates Foundation awards nearly $45 million for AI-powered ultrasound
(11/10/2023)

Philanthropies help launch $200 million public interest AI initiative
(11/02/2023)

Gates Foundation invests $30 million in AI platform in Africa
(10/11/2023)

Google.org launches $20 million fund for responsible AI
(09/20/2023)

Gates Foundation awards GE HealthCare $44 million for AI-driven tech
(09/19/2023)

Google.org launches $10.7 million AI social innovation fund for Europe
(05/31/2023)

Gates Foundation posts AI ‘first principles,’ launches AI challenge
(05/29/2023)

Elon Musk expresses discontent over OpenAI transition to for-profit
(03/21/2023)

(Photo credit: Getty Images/crstrbrt)