Skip to content

AI for the Global Goals

Let’s build a better,
more sustainable future for all

Last year, building on 5 years of support for AI-powered initiatives, we launched a $25M open call for organizations using AI to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. See what our recipients are up to — and learn how you can do your part.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Leaders around the world agreed on these 17 goals, which have become known as the World's To Do List.

Meet the organizations we’re supporting through AI for the Global Goals

Since we began funding AI projects for social impact in 2018, we have supported efforts ranging from low-cost air quality sensors mounted on motorcycle taxis in Uganda to AI-powered apps that help farmers mitigate pests and increase their crop yields in India. We’ve also funded ambitious global projects like AI-powered satellite monitoring to track greenhouse gas emissions across the world.

With the help of AI, our recipients report that they are meeting their goals in a third of the time, at half of the cost.

Emboldened by this momentum, we committed an additional $25M for projects specifically aimed at using AI to accelerate progress on one or more of the UN’s Global Goals. Meet the newest cohort of Google.org recipients.

Selection Criteria

We received many proposals to use AI to accelerate progress towards the Global Goals. We evaluated applications based on the following criteria:

  • Impact

    How does the application of AI accelerate progress towards the Global Goals, break through barriers, or reduce inefficiencies? Is the application grounded in research and data? Is there a clear plan to deploy an AI model, and what are the expected outcomes?

  • Scalability and Sustainability

    If successful, how can this project scale beyond the initial proposal? How will the project continue beyond Google.org's funding? Is there a clear plan to share learnings and best practices with the global community?

  • Feasibility

    Does the team have a well-­developed, realistic plan for execution and technical expertise needed to apply AI to the problem? Have they identified the right partners and domain experts?

  • Data and Responsibility

    While applications of AI show great promise, these technologies raise important challenges. Is AI the appropriate tool to tackle the issue? Does this proposal apply technology in an innovative and effective way? Does the use of AI align with Google's AI Principles and Responsible AI Practices?

Responsible AI Resources

We’re making tools and resources available so that anyone, including social impact organizations, can use technology to solve problems. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already an expert, you may find this guide helpful.