Today Google.org is also announcing the expansion of the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund by $12 million, to help more workers, small businesses and nonprofits make the most of AI in their communities.
This includes $10 million in additional support to AVPN to continue equipping Asia Pacific workers for the changing job market, with the goal to train 720,000 workers and 100,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. MSMEs are the backbone of Asia Pacific’s economy, representing 96% of all companies, and employing up to 80% of the workforce. Yet research shows many struggle with AI skills development due to limited training accessibility, lack of access to digital infrastructure and constrained financial resources.
It also includes a $2 million grant to Infoxchange to reach 10,000 nonprofits in the APAC region with AI training and tools, including on recent Gemini features launched in Google for Nonprofits products. This will help these organizations use AI for social good and create positive change in their communities.
A shift towards an AI-powered economy needs to be fair and inclusive, so all workers have the necessary knowledge and tools to participate. Through the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific and our ongoing collaborations, we’re committed to making sure everyone can benefit from the potential of AI.