The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced the grant recipients from its most recent Global Grand Challenges initiative, which is focused on developing global health and development solutions for communities using AI-enabled large language models (LLMs).

The recipients, more than 17 of whom are from low- and middle-income countries, were awarded up to $100,000 each to advance their research projects. The grants are inclusive of researchers from low- and middle-income countries so that the robust evidence base will fill gaps in access and knowledge about the application of AI tools to address problems across these countries in an equitable way.

According to the foundation, responsible and safe use of AI-driven LLM technology has the potential to help solve some of the world’s toughest health and development challenges. Prompted by Grand Challenges to build upon existing technologies, researchers will work to address a wide range of issues.

“The vibrant energy, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment from innovators to tackle the most vexing challenges has sparked a wave of interest and excitement in the positive impact AI can have in the lives of the vulnerable,” said Gates Foundation interim deputy director for technology diffusion Zameer Brey. “These local innovators are harnessing the seismic power of AI and LLMs in ways that can be paradigm-shifting for their local communities and beyond. We believe the most impactful technological advancements include those that begin and end with the people they affect most.” 

For a complete list of recipients, see the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation website.

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