Google today launched the AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe, to help provide training and skills to support people and countries to be successful in seizing the opportunity of AI. Working in partnership with governments and local communities, Google will provide a range of foundational and advanced AI training to support vulnerable communities, startups and everyone.
As part of the AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe, the company also announced a EUR 25 million funding from Google.org to support AI training and skills for people across Europe - with a particular focus on vulnerable and underserved communities. EUR 10 million of this will be dedicated to equipping workers with the skills they need to avoid being left behind.
The AI Opportunity Initiative includes a new series of Google for Startups Growth Academies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The equity-free program is to support startups using AI to solve society’s biggest challenges, in health, education and cybersecurity. It helps startups to grow their user numbers, scale and go global with help from Google’s products, best practices and connections to experts.
The initiative will also see the expansion of Google's AI foundational courses to 18 languages. The courses are free of charge and available to everyone, offering a series of modules on introductory AI skills to help people and businesses get practical skills and knowledge.
Adrian Brown, Executive Director, Centre for Public Impact, Google
AI has enormous potential to transform the world for the better. Yet research shows that the benefits of AI could exacerbate existing inequalities - especially in terms of economic security and employment. This new program will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind.
