Google.org is announcing the expansion of its AI Opportunity Fund by $12 million, aiming to support more workers, small businesses, and nonprofits in leveraging AI within their communities.

This expansion includes an additional $10 million in funding for AVPN, which will continue to equip workers in the Asia Pacific region with the skills necessary for the evolving job market. The goal is to train 720,000 workers and 100,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. MSMEs are crucial to the Asia Pacific economy, comprising 96% of all companies and employing up to 80% of the workforce. However, research indicates that many MSMEs struggle with AI skills development due to limited accessibility of training, lack of access to digital infrastructure, and constrained financial resources.

Additionally, a $2 million grant has been awarded to Infoxchange, which will enable the organization to provide AI training and tools to 10,000 nonprofits in the APAC region. This will include training on recently launched Gemini features in Google for Nonprofits products, empowering these organizations to utilize AI for social good and drive positive change within their communities.

As the economy shifts towards AI-powered technologies, it is essential that this transition is fair and inclusive, ensuring all workers possess the necessary knowledge and tools to participate. Through the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific and ongoing collaborations, Google.org is committed to ensuring that everyone can benefit from the potential of AI.