Microsoft and International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT- B) launch A4I - the AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at advancing the use of AI to create inclusive, impactful and scalable solutions for the underserved communities. AI has great potential to create significant change, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and accessibility. 

Nevertheless, for these technologies to genuinely benefit society, they need to be designed thoughtfully and inclusively while being backed by sustainable partnerships. This belief is central to A4I.

Microsoft and IIIT-B will collaborate closely through this initiative to establish a framework for partnerships and on-going scaling and support. This framework will facilitate the scaling of innovations already created and tested by Microsoft into broadly accessible Digital Public Goods (DGPs). The objective is to cultivate an ecosystem that supports AI-driven innovations for lasting societal impact.

Prof Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT- Bangalore says, “The impact of AI on society will depend not only on its capabilities but also on our ability to scale its benefits equitably. A4I will be a flagship initiative within our Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), strengthening our commitment to developing and scaling digital solutions that address some of the pressing challenges faced by our communities.”

A4I will collaborate with domain specific partners in education, healthcare, and accessibility to build solutions that are impactful and replicable at scale.

Venkat Padmanabhan, Managing Director, Microsoft Research India says, Technology must be accessible to everyone including the underserved. A4I is an example of our commitment to ensuring that AI innovations grow into scalable solutions that can transform lives at the grass root."

"By remaining up with the IIIT Bangalore and other partners engaged in societal impact projects we seek to create a more inclusive future for all,” adds Venkat.

 

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Kate Behncken, CVP, Microsoft Philanthropies says, "The launch of the AI Innovation and Inclusive Initiative with IIIT Bangalore marks an exciting new chapter. What I am most excited about is how this partnership brings together tested, scalable solutions, bold ambitions for impact, and the collective strength for government, communities, and researchers to help advance social impact in India and potential to be leveraged by the Global South.”