Microsoft announced a groundbreaking initiative Wednesday morning to use artificial intelligence to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
The program, worth over $5 million, focuses on Washington state scientists and innovators. It is open to individuals or groups working in sustainability, public health, or human rights.
The company is looking for those who believe AI could help transform their work and bring about real change.
Applications for the program are open through Feb. 17 and the winners of the grants will be announced in March. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s “A.I. for Good” program, which aims to harness technology’s power to solve global problems.
In an interview, Juan LaVista Farres, Microsoft’s chief data scientist, shared how artificial intelligence is already making a difference in fields like conservation.
He explained that artificial intelligence is not just a tool, but in some cases, it’s the only solution to certain problems.
“One of the areas where A.I. is the only solution you have is in wildlife conservation,” Farres stated. “We’re using it to track endangered species, like beluga whales in Alaska.”
In the past, scientists who studied whales would have to spend years poring through ocean data by hand in order to monitor the creatures.
However, with the help of artificial intelligence, they can now examine satellite photographs from orbit in only a few minutes and find out where the whales are located.
This innovative technology is saving time and providing important information about whale populations, trends, and movements.
Artificial intelligence is also transforming other industries. Microsoft is working with local institutions such as NOAA, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Microsoft is now asking for even more partnerships to join in on the initiative.
Farres stressed that the $5 million in grants will remain in Washington state in order to commemorate Microsoft’s 50th anniversary.
“This is about making sure we help our local community,” Farres stated regarding the focus on Washington state. “It’s our way of giving back as we celebrate 50 years of innovation.”
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The company’s purpose is to assist researchers, companies, and organizations that may not even be aware that they may work with Microsoft, especially those that are focused on applying artificial intelligence to solve local problems.
Farres stated, “We believe there are researchers out there who might not know they can work with us.”
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Microsoft’s “A.I. for Good” initiative is part of the company’s larger charitable initiatives, which have exceeded $3 billion in donations and have supported over 104,000 nonprofit organizations around the world.
Organizations in Washington state have received more than $1.3 billion of that total.
