Meta has unveiled its new Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, a funding initiative designed to support AI-driven startups globally, with a special focus on regions including Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.

The program, which boasts a funding pool of up to $2 million, aims to back organizations that are leveraging AI to address significant social issues within their communities.

In a statement released recently, Meta invited companies worldwide to submit proposals for how they plan to use its AI technology, Llama, to drive positive change.

The company emphasized that particular attention will be given to proposals focusing on economic development, scientific innovation, public service, and other critical areas that impact society.

Selected applicants stand to receive up to $500,000 in funding, with the announcement of winners scheduled for early 2025.

The application window for the grants is open from August 5, 2024, to November 22, 2024.Meta outlined specific eligibility criteria for applicants.

The program is open to organizations that are legally established entities formed before August 5, 2023.

Individuals, sole proprietors, and sole-owner entities are not eligible to apply.

Each organization must designate an individual aged 18 or older to act on its behalf during the application process.

Kojo Boakye, Meta’s Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, highlighted the company’s commitment to harnessing open-source AI to tackle global challenges.

“We’re inspired by the diverse projects we’ve seen developers undertake around the world to positively impact their communities by building with Llama,” Boakye said.

“The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program presents an opportunity to further empower organizations to leverage AI for social good and to drive meaningful change.”

To support potential applicants, Meta announced plans to host a series of regional events, including virtual meetings, in-person hackathons, workshops, and training sessions.

These events will take place in a wide array of locations such as Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and more.

These sessions aim to provide technical guidance and mentorship, and participating organizations may also qualify for specialized awards of up to $100,000.

This initiative marks a significant step in Meta’s broader mission to use AI technology to improve human productivity, creativity, and quality of life while fostering economic growth and advancing scientific research.

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