Google announced it is funding a $30 million global open call for nonprofits, civic entities, academic institutions and social enterprises to apply to participate in the six-month Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI program.

Recipients who are intent on building genAI-powered social-impact solutions will receive funding.

The company is interested in proposals leveraging genAI technology aimed at solving problems in impactful ways across Google's three focus areas.

The first one is knowledge, skills and learning, which would provide pathways for people to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.

Secondly, engage in scientific advancement aimed at accelerating breakthroughs and AI-enabled scientific innovation that enables technology to be used for good in the world as well as collaborations between academic or research institutions and other organizations like nonprofits.

Lastly, companies focused on encouraging resilient communities that contribute to building stronger societies, a safer internet and crisis resilience.

The accelerator provides social-impact organizations with funding, mentorship, Google Cloud Credits, technical training and pro bono support to build tools that deliver on generative AI's potential to benefit society. 

The application is organized into sections corresponding with the criteria that will be used to evaluate applications, which includes feasibility, impactful use of generative AI, scalability and accelerator participation. 

THE LARGER TREND

Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI was launched in March. The program was funded by $20 million in grants and included 21 nonprofits to start, like Quill, a company that creates AI-powered tools for student writing feedback, and World Bank, which built a generative AI app to make development research more accessible. 

In 2023, Google announced it was funding 15 AI-powered projects, including digital health initiatives to improve provider experience and patient access to care, via its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Each project received $3 million in technical assistance, cash support and Google Cloud credits. A few projects received Google Fellowships, where a team of Google employees work with an organization pro bono full-time for up to six months.

Earlier this year, Google for Health released a guide for startups to introduce them to the ecosystem the tech giant offers to help accelerate their growth. The guide introduces them to products that support health innovation, empower growth and provide technology apps. It also advises building a strong online presence with marketing tips, website tools and Google Ads guidance.