Meta launches $2m grant for AI-driven startups in Africa, others
Meta has announced the launch of the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, which will benefit organizations worldwide, with a grant pool of up to $2 million and a focus on Turkey, the Middle East, and Africa.Meta announced this in a statement, noting that the grant program is meant to solicit submissions from businesses interested in using Llama's AI to address societal challenges in their local communities.
It further noted that contributions related to public service, scientific innovation, economic development, and other important disciplines will be given special consideration.
According to the company, successful applicants will receive up to $500,000. The winners will be announced early next year.
According to Meta, organizations based in countries where participating in or accepting a local legislation award is not forbidden are eligible to apply for the Grant Program. It said that in order to participate, each organization must meet the following criteria:
Must not be an individual, sole proprietor, or sole-owner entity in the jurisdiction where it is founded.
Be an entity that is properly created before to August 5, 2023, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Organization was founded;
"Be an entity that is duly created prior to August 5, 2023, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Organization was founded;
Have the legal right to participate in this Award Program, and participation will not breach any agreement or duty between the organization and any third-party.
The Applicant must be an employee or affiliate of the organization, at least eighteen (18) years old, and the age of majority in the Applicant's jurisdiction of residence.
The applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years old, the age of majority in the applicant's jurisdiction of residence, and work for or with the organization.
According to Meta, the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants application window will be open from Monday, August 5, 2024 to Friday, November 22, 2024. It is encouraged that interested groups apply here.
Kojo Boakye, Meta's Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, stated that the effort highlights the company's commitment to leveraging open-source AI to address major global concerns.
"We've been inspired by the various projects we've seen developers undertake throughout the world to positively impact their communities by collaborating with Llama.
"We believe that AI has the greatest potential of any modern technology to boost human productivity, creativity, and quality of life—as well as to accelerate economic growth and advance medical and scientific research.
"The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program presents an opportunity to further empower organizations to leverage AI for social good and to drive meaningful change," Boakye told the crowd.
Meta announced a series of regional events to help prospective applicants, including virtual events, in-person hackathons, workshops, and training sessions.
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