Google Commits to €25M AI Training Fund to Empower Europeans Amid AI Transition
Summary:
Google has announced the AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe, a fund of 25 million euros to support AI-training for Europeans. The fund aims to boost the local workforce, empower individuals, and particularly aid disadvantaged communities. The initiative involves collaboration with EU governments, businesses, academics, and nonprofits across Europe. This program, influenced by the successful "Grow with Google" initiative, also includes resources for Google's Career Certificate program and expands the AI foundational course's language offerings. The fund has been established as regulators are preparing to finalize the EU AI Act.
Google has declared its intention to establish a 25 million euros ($26.9 million) fund, called the AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe, with the goal of aiding Europeans in receiving artificial intelligence (AI) training. This move comes as Europe is slated to become a premier direction in utilizing AI for economical gains. Google states its eagerness to contribute in boosting the European workforce and ensuring everyone reaps the benefits amidst this transition.
In collaboration with EU governments, civil societies, academics and businesses, Google aims to deliver superior AI training to local startups, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged communities. Approximately 10 million euros from the fund are dedicated to upskilling workers to prevent them from getting "left behind". This is reminiscent of an initiative implemented by Italy in mid-2023, where millions of euros were allocated towards advancing digital skills of workers facing possible job termination due to AI and automation.
The origins of this AI program can be traced back to a successful initiative launched by Google in 2015, named "Grow with Google". This project, aiming to bridge the digital skills gap in the EU, has warranted free training to over 12 million people.
The latest initiative incorporates a partnership with the Centre for Public Impact, which is inviting applications from EU-based social enterprises and non-profits to maximize the outreach for AI training. Adrian Brown, the Centre's executive director, acknowledged the transformative potential of AI while cautioning of growing inequality gaps, and hence, emphasized on spreading knowledge, skills and confidence surrounding AI across Europe.
In further efforts, Google will augment the number of languages available for its foundational AI course to 18 and is incorporating more resources into its Google Career Certificates program to help professionals gain practical exposure in applying AI in their workplaces.
The announcement comes at a time when local regulators are gearing up to finalize the EU AI Act, a legislation designed to regulate the adoption and development of AI technologies within EU legal jurisdictions.
Published At
2/12/2024 2:57:12 PM
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