Meta has introduced the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants that aims to support innovative open-source AI projects addressing global challenges.
This program builds on previous successful grant initiatives, offering up to $2 million USD in funding to organizations worldwide.
The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants invite proposals from groups with ideas to use Llama 3.1 for social change. Applications in economic development, science, innovation, and public service will receive special attention. Selected organizations could receive up to $500,000 USD, with winners announced early next year.
In his remarks, Kojo Boakye, Vice President, Public Policy, Africa, the Middle East, and Turkiye, Meta stated, “We’re inspired by the diverse projects we’ve seen developers undertake around the world to positively impact their communities by building with Llama.
“We believe AI has more potential than any other modern technology to increase human productivity, creativity, and quality of life—and to accelerate economic growth while unlocking progress in medical and scientific research.
“The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program presents an opportunity to further empower organisations to leverage AI for social good and to drive meaningful change.”
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Empowering AI for Social Good
To support applicants, Meta will host regional events, including virtual sessions, in-person hackathons, workshops, and training sessions.
These events will occur in Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Latin America, North America, Pakistan, Singapore, Sub-Saharan Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, and Vietnam.
They will provide technical guidance and mentorship, fostering impactful Llama 3.1 applications in local contexts. Participants in these events may also receive specialized awards of up to $100,000 USD.
The first Llama Impact Grants, announced in October 2023, saw over 800 applications from more than 90 countries.
The 20 finalists have submitted their final proposals, and Meta will announce the grant recipients in September, alongside the winners of the Llama Impact Innovation Awards.
The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants application window is open from August 5, 2024, to November 22, 2024. Meta encourages eligible organizations to submit proposals and seize this opportunity to drive social impact through AI. They will evaluate all proposals using specific selection criteria.