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Call for expressions of interest: Establishing multidisciplinary artificial intelligence for development labs (AI4D labs) in Africa 

CALL FOR

Expressions of interest

PROGRAM(S)

Technology and Innovation, Education and Science, Artificial Intelligence for Development

DEADLINE

March 19, 2021 by 23:45 (EDT)

TOPIC(S)

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

DURATION

3 years (36 months)

FUNDED BY

IDRC and the Swedish International Development Agency

REGION(S)

South of Sahara

CONTACT

AI4DAfrica@idrc.ca

BUDGET

CAD $1M

STATUS

Open

TYPE

Grant

Eligibility

This call for expressions of interest is open to public universities from low and lower-middle income countries in Africa with demonstrated expertise in the subjects that are critical for responsible AI research, education, and innovation.  

Only universities that meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the call document should submit an expression of interest to host the AI4D labs.

Scope

The goal of this call is to identify two public universities that will amplify African AI talent, research, and innovation by supporting the creation of two multidisciplinary AI4D Labs in public universities. The funding opportunity will provide funding to two (2) public universities representing anglophone and francophone linguistic regions.

The two winning universities will establish or expand Labs that will:

  • develop and implement a locally relevant, multidisciplinary, and responsible AI4D research agenda
  • nurture local talent that responds to the capacity requirements of the public and private sector
  • develop associated AI4D academic courses, trainings, and curriculum
  • broker alliances among the academic, industry and institutional communities 

They will serve as resource centres for the development of the next generation of AI4D scholars and practitioners in the continent.

More details

More details for this call are available on the application page on the AI4D Africa website and in the background document.

Online information sessions in English and French will be held for interested applicants.

Register for the session in English on March 9, 2021, 8 am Eastern Standard Time / 4 pm Eastern Africa time.

Register for the session in French on March 10, 2021, 9 am Eastern Standard Time / 2 pm Western Africa time.

Interested in applying?

If you are eligible for this opportunity we welcome you to submit an application.

Apply online