In an effort to democratize access to the AI ​​job market, Google.org has awarded a $1 million grant to the nonprofit Karya. This funding aims to bring AI-powered economic opportunities to low-income communities around the world, helping tens of thousands of people access digital tasks linked to artificial intelligence, such as data annotation and AI language training. The initiative is part of Google’s broader strategy to make AI skills and job opportunities more inclusive, with a focus on underserved regions of India.

Karya will use the grant to develop a skills pathway combining a research-driven curriculum and hands-on learning, designed to make AI jobs accessible even to those with limited digital experience. This program aligns with India’s vision of creating an AI-ready workforce, with materials translated into 10 major Indian languages ​​to further expand accessibility.

In addition to the training program, Karya will leverage generative AI to develop a multilingual chatbot, providing real-time support for its digital workplace platform. This feature aims to help workers navigate digital tasks in different languages, meeting local and regional needs.

Alex Diaz, Head of AI for Social Good at Google.org, highlighted the impact of this initiative, saying: “We are bringing our resources and capabilities to ensure that the opportunities (unlocked by AI) are rewarding for everyone, regardless of their background or background. circumstance. We are proud to support Karya’s mission to foster AI opportunities for underserved communities.

This grant reflects Google’s growing commitment to upskilling AI in India and beyond. Last month, the company launched AI Skills House to train 10 million Indians in AI applications and allocated $4 million to raise AI awareness among students, educators and parents across the country. Globally, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the creation of a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund to enable communities around the world to benefit from AI education in languages local authorities, a project presented to the United Nations in September.

Karya CEO Manu Chopra highlighted the organization’s commitment to the equitable development of AI, saying: “We believe that low-income communities are not only excellent beneficiaries of AI, but that they are also excellent AI builders. Karya’s digital workplace platform has already created significant employment opportunities for over 50,000 people in rural India, and it plans to expand these opportunities to over 100,000 people by the end of this year.

This partnership highlights the potential of AI to drive economic growth and social progress, particularly in underserved areas, and builds on Google’s recent report, “An AI Opportunity Agenda for India.” The report outlines the steps India can take to leverage its technological talents to drive inclusive progress and boost the economy through AI.