Meta has introduced the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants to support AI-driven projects across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative aims to fund Organisations that leverage AI technology to tackle significant global issues.
Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey at Meta, announced the new grants program on Tuesday in Lagos.
Boakye emphasized Meta’s ongoing dedication to fostering innovative applications of open-source AI to solve pressing challenges.
Building on the success of prior grant initiatives, the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants will offer up to $2 million in total funding to selected organizations globally. The program invites proposals from entities aiming to use Llama 3.1 to address various social issues within their communities.
Boakye indicated that applications focusing on economic development, science and innovation, public service, and similar areas will be given priority. Grant recipients will receive funding up to $500,000, with winners set to be announced early next year.
“We are inspired by the diverse global projects that utilize Llama to make a positive impact,” Boakye said. “We believe AI holds unparalleled potential to enhance human productivity, creativity, quality of life, and economic growth while advancing medical and scientific research.”
To support applicants, Meta will host a series of regional and virtual events, including hackathons, workshops, and training sessions.
These events will be held in countries such as Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Latin America, North America, Pakistan, Singapore, sub-Saharan Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, and Vietnam.
Participants in these events will be eligible for additional specialized awards of up to $100,000.
The inaugural Llama Impact Grants, announced in October 2023, received over 800 applications from more than 90 countries, with 20 finalists submitting final proposals. Winners will be announced in September, alongside those receiving the Llama Impact Innovation Awards.
The application period for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants is open from August 5, 2024, to November 22, 2024.
