Microsoft and the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT-B) have launched A4I, which is an AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative.
I was delighted to give the inaugural keynote address at the launch of A4I, an AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative, a new collaboration between Microsoft and IIITB for the socially underserved. pic.twitter.com/JYisgANyHh
— Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta (@readingkafka) April 25, 2025
Microsoft Launches A4I Initiative
The joint program aims to harness AI’s power not just for technological progress but for genuine social impact, which is among underserved communities.
A4I is about making sure AI does not just benefit a few. It is about building solutions that are inclusive, easy to access, and designed for long-term use.
From improving healthcare and education to enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities, the initiative hopes to turn tested innovations into Digital Public Goods (DPGs) tools that can be used freely and widely across sectors.
“The impact of AI on society will depend not only on its technological sophistication but also on our ability to scale its benefits equitably,” said Prof Debabrata Das, Director at IIIT-Bangalore. “A4I will be a flagship initiative within our Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), strengthening our commitment to developing and scaling digital solutions that address some of the pressing challenges faced by our communities.”
“Technology must be accessible to everyone, including the underserved. A4I is an example of our commitment to ensuring that AI innovations grow into scalable solutions that can transform lives at the grassroots,” Venkat Padmanabhan, Managing Director, Microsoft Research India, said. “By teaming up with IIIT Bangalore and other partners engaged in societal impact projects, we seek to create a more inclusive future for all.”
Kate Behncken, CVP, Microsoft Philanthropies, remarked, “The launch of the AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative with IIIT Bangalore marks an exciting new chapter. What I’m most excited about is how this partnership brings together tested, scalable solutions, bold ambitions for impact, and the collective strength of government, communities, and researchers to help advance social impact in India and potential to be leveraged by the Global South.”
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