GCN awards 50 people with $50m for AI health solutions development

The Grand Challenges Network, a global African initiative, has awarded $5 million to 50 recipients to develop health solutions leveraging artificial intelligence.

In a statement, the award was given during the launch of an AI funding call by GCN to promote equitable AI use as emerging technologies, including machine learning and quantum computing, are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace.

“The GCN initiative builds on the success of an earlier global cohort of AI innovators supported by the Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges program,” it said.

According to the GCN, the funded AI-driven projects explored 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.

“These innovations aim to improve healthcare accessibility, empower individuals in managing their health, foster research and innovation, and address unique healthcare challenges in LMICs,” the statement said.

Ntobeko Ntusi, president and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council highlighted the need to support local innovators who understand the unique needs of their communities as a path to realise the full potential of AI.

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“This initiative will enable them to use new approaches like Large Language Models (LLMs) to drive significant improvements in health outcomes,” Ntusi said.

He noted that CNG partnered with companies across Africa, Southeast Asia, and America.

“The partners include Grand Challenges Africa, supported by the Science for Africa Foundation, Grand Challenges Brazil, supported by Brazil’s Ministry of Health, and Grand Challenges Canada, supported by the Government of Canada,” he said.

Grand Challenges Ethiopia was supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute.

“Grand Challenges India was supported by the Indian government and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistant Council, and Grand Challenges Senegal is supported by Institut Pasteur de Dakar,” Ntusi added.

Others were Grand Challenges South Africa supported by the South African Medical Research Council and the Department of Science and Innovation and Global partners, including the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and the Pasteur Network.