The Grand Challenges Network has awarded $5 million to 50 recipients to advance health solutions through artificial intelligence.
According to The PUNCH, this funding initiative, launched by the GCN, aims to encourage the equitable and responsible application of AI technologies like machine learning and quantum computing, which are rapidly transforming various sectors.
The new funding builds on the successes of a previous global cohort of AI innovators supported by the Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges program.
This collaborative effort spans multiple continents, involving Grand Challenges Africa, supported by the Science for Africa Foundation, Grand Challenges Brazil, backed by Brazil’s Ministry of Health, and Grand Challenges Canada, funded by the Government of Canada.
Additionally, it includes Grand Challenges Ethiopia, supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Grand Challenges India, backed by the Indian government and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistant Council, and Grand Challenges Senegal, funded by Institut Pasteur de Dakar.
Other participating entities include Grand Challenges South Africa, supported by the South African Medical Research Council and the Department of Science and Innovation, along with global partners like the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and the Pasteur Network.
The GCN’s funding will support AI-driven projects across various domains, 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.
The goal is to enhance healthcare accessibility, empower individuals in managing their health, foster innovation, and address specific healthcare challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, emphasized the importance of supporting local innovators who are familiar with their communities’ needs to fully leverage AI’s potential.
“This initiative will enable them to use new approaches like Large Language Models (LLMs) to drive significant improvements in health outcomes,” Ntusi stated.
Secretary of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Health Complex of Brazil’s Ministry of Health, Carlos Gadelha, highlighted the value of global cooperation and local innovation. He noted that “AI can help develop life-saving solutions that will benefit health systems in Brazil and beyond.”
President of the Gates Foundation’s Global Health Division, Trevor Mundel, supported the initiative and underscored the importance of leveraging the expertise of local innovators.
He stressed that harnessing their insights is crucial for AI to become a powerful tool for good.
