Two Kenyan startups picked for Google's Ksh.2.6B AI funding program

Two Kenyan startups have been selected for Google’s Generative AI Accelerator Program, where they will be eligible for funding amounting to more than $20 million (Ksh.2.64 billion) for their projects.

Kenya’s Jacaranda Health and EIDU are the only two beneficiaries from Africa among the 21 organisations now set to join the first Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI Cohort.

The cohort also includes organisations from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany

Jacaranda Health leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) trained in African languages to expand digital health services to underserved mothers.

EIDU, on the other hand,  employs generative AI for personalised tutoring services in low and middle-income countries through tailored digital learning exercises.

The six-month program is aimed at supporting nonprofits developing high-impact applications of generative AI.

The selected organisations will focus on areas like climate, economic opportunities, health, education, and crisis response.

In addition to technical training, workshops, mentors, and pro bono support from dedicated AI coaches; Google.org is also providing more than $20 million (Ksh.2.64 billion) in funding across the projects.

Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google, Africa, said: “Generative AI can empower social impact teams to be more productive, creative, and effective in serving their communities. We look forward to helping the chosen organisations harness the potential of this technology to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.”