Network awards $5m for AI health solutions

The Grand Challenges Network has awarded $5m to 50 recipients to develop health solutions leveraging artificial intelligence.

According to a statement, the GCN launched an AI funding call to promote equitable and responsible AI use as emerging technologies, including machine learning and quantum computing, are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace.

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

The collaborative effort involved partners from across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas, including 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.

Also, Grand Challenges Ethiopia is supported by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Grand Challenges India is supported by the Indian government and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistant Council, and Grand Challenges Senegal is supported by Institut Pasteur de Dakar.

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.

According to the GCN, the funded AI-driven projects cover areas, including 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 read.

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

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

Further, the Secretary of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Health Complex of Brazil’s Ministry of Health, Carlos Gadelha explained that the initiative displayed the value of global cooperation and locally led innovation as “AI can help develop life-saving solutions that will benefit health systems in Brazil and beyond.”

The President of the Gates Foundation’s Global Health Division, Trevor Mundel, supported the initiative and urged harnessing the skills and insights of innovators who deeply understand their community’s challenges as crucial for AI to be a powerful tool for good.