AI for Social Good: Google's $20M for Non-profits 💰 AI Hope for Cancer Patients 🖼️ Microsoft's AI for Accessibility 🦾

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Reader, while GenAI has fascinated us, significant social sector AI innovations have often gone unnoticed. For instance, the Central Government launched the NaMo Drone Didi Scheme, on 11-March-2024, to empower rural Indian women through drone distribution to Women-led Self-Help Groups, boosting employment, and agricultural productivity with modern tech, and aiding the ambitious goal of creating 3 crore "Lakhpati Didis". In today’s newsletter, we will explore more such interesting innovations in the social sector.

In Today’s Newsletter:

• AI for Humanity: Google's $20M boost to non-profits

• AI portraits gift Breast Cancer patients a glimpse of hope

• Microsoft's AI Leap for Accessibility at Ability Summit

• Other AI developments in the Social Sector

• Latest AI news from around the world

TOP NEWS
Google Backs AI for Good with $20M Boost

Google has invested $20 million into a nonprofit AI initiative called the "Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI" program.

Why is it relevant?
This program provides funding, training, and mentorship to 21 non-profits, including the World Bank, to leverage AI tools for global social impact across mental health, climate research, language services, and more, signaling Google's commitment to utilizing AI for social good worldwide. Read More

TOP NEWS
AI Grief-Tech Provides Hope Through Lenses

A series of AI-generated portraits gives glimpses into the future for people living with incurable breast cancer, showing them experiencing cherished moments they hope to witness.

Why is it relevant?
Created by Breast Cancer Now and photographer Jillian Edelstein, these powerful AI images highlight the importance of breast cancer research, aiming to extend lives and provide hope for patients to experience their dreamed future moments, from graduations to weddings and birthdays. Read More

NANOBITS LONG READS
AI for Accessibility: Microsoft's 14th Ability Summit

Microsoft recently concluded its 14th Ability Summit, where it showcased the latest advancements in accessible technology, including AI tools for creating inclusive content, supporting neurodiversity, and empowering people with disabilities, while highlighting partnerships and initiatives to protect fundamental rights and accelerate accessibility. Read More.

Key Takeaways:

• Three main themes: Build (leveraging disabled talent for inclusivity), Imagine (architecting accessible environments and products), and Include (AI's impact on accessibility).

• Launch of accessible technology like Copilot for Windows and M365 features to aid content creation and accessibility.

• Partnerships and discussions on rights, employment equity, and digital inclusivity, featuring insights from leaders and advocates across different sectors.

• Commitment to advancing accessibility through technology, with initiatives like Azure AI for Accessibility and supporting ALS research.

MORE NEWS ON AI IN SOCIAL SECTOR

Karya, the world’s first data cooperative, empowers rural Indians with digital work, paying 20x the minimum wage for AI/ML data services and reinvesting profits for their well-being, impacting over 20,000 people with significant financial benefits, in the last 10 months.

Telangana's Saagu Baagu initiative empowers 7,000 chilli farmers with AI tools, marking a significant tech leap in agriculture. Its global impact underscores AI's role in the agricultural revolution, from enhanced crop yields in Andhra Pradesh to informed sales decisions in Karnataka, promising a sustainable farming future. Read More

LATEST NEWS IN AI

Apple is reportedly exploring home robotics with a mobile assistant and tabletop device, showcasing its dedication to AI advancement, under John Giannandrea's leadership. Read More

Big Tech, including Google and Microsoft, joins the Cisco-led group to study AI's impact on tech jobs amid growing concerns and debates over job displacement and the economy. Read More

As India grapples with AI-driven election misinformation, an Adobe-backed group aims to help organizations adopt an AI authenticity standard, while some companies explore forming an Indian AI safety coalition. Read More

Google is considering making users pay for AI-powered search results, potentially putting enhanced AI search features behind a subscription paywall, even as regular search would remain ad-supported. Read More