A4I, or the AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative, is a joint initiative between Microsoft and the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) that aims to advance the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop scalable, inclusive, and impactful solutions for marginalized communities.

AI has the potential to bring about significant change, particularly in fields like accessibility, education, and healthcare. But in order for these technologies to really help society, they need to be inclusively and intentionally created, and they need to be backed by long-term collaborations. This is the foundation of A4I.

Microsoft and IIIT-B will collaborate closely to provide a framework for collaborations, long-term scalability, and support via this program. This framework will assist in scaling innovations that Microsoft has previously created and tested into Digital Public Goods (DPGs) that are broadly available. The objective is to create an environment that supports AI-driven inventions for sustained social impact.

“The impact of AI on society will depend on our ability to scale its benefits equitably as well as its technological sophistication,” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore. “Our Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS) will use A4I as a flagship initiative to further our dedication to creating and expanding digital solutions that tackle some of the most important issues facing our communities.”