Apply for the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

The Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge is a global initiative that aims to accelerate inclusion and economic empowerment through innovative AI solutions. As artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly, it is crucial to ensure that these solutions promote inclusive economic growth, address inequalities, and foster inclusion for individuals and communities.

In collaboration with data.org, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and regional support from Dasra, this challenge seeks to encourage the development of applications that prioritize inclusive growth, climate awareness, gender equity, racial sensitivity, and local relevance.

Moreover, the challenge will incorporate key considerations to promote participation from communities and environments affected by systemic inequities and digital disparities. By adhering to responsible AI principles and practices, the challenge aims to create a more inclusive and equitable future.

Key Considerations of the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

1. Proposed AI solutions must prioritize serving the public good in order to positively impact society, improve the lives of individuals, and contribute to economic growth in underserved communities. It is crucial to prevent the widening of the digital divide in these communities as AI continues to advance rapidly.
2. We are looking for proposals that empower communities to actively participate in the design and implementation of inclusive AI solutions.
3. In line with Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) principles, we invite proposals from a diverse range of communities that are often overlooked in discussions about AI for social impact.
4. The goal is to make AI services and solutions more accessible to historically underserved populations.
5. We are establishing a comprehensive process to provide resources (such as funding, technical support, and access to necessary tools) to assist organizations in developing their AI initiatives.
6. Recognizing the infrastructural challenges faced by many regions globally, which limit access to large datasets and specific technologies, we are interested in solutions that introduce innovative approaches or recommendations to enhance existing technologies.

Regulations guiding the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

The regulations that govern this competition (referred to as the “Regulations”) are outlined here. As you engage in the competition, you may be required to indicate your acceptance of these Regulations by clicking “accept” on different pages of the data.org website (referred to as the “Website”). Nevertheless, by continuing to use this Website, you explicitly agree to abide by these Regulations.

Awards for the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

1. Participation in this Challenge under the specified Rules makes you eligible for a variety of recognitions, in-kind support, and grant funding from data.org. In-kind support for recipients may consist of data science expertise, staff training, technical assistance, consulting, media production, marketing and promotional activities, as well as software and infrastructure licenses.
2. At least four ultimate winners (referred to as “Awardees”) will be granted a combination of $200,000 (each, an “Award”) in grant funding and in-kind support through the Challenge. Each final Award will be granted in accordance with the conditions outlined in a grant agreement between New Venture Fund and the respective Awardee.

Eligibility Requirements for the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

We invite applications (referred to as “Entries”) from for-profit entities, non-profit entities, and government agencies. However, all Entries must have a charitable purpose, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and as further explained below.

Organizations are limited to submitting a single Entry to the Challenge. However, the Challenge may consider multiple Entries from large organizations such as universities. In such cases, the Entries must be distinct, with no overlap in the scope of the proposals or the project teams. If you are aware that two or more teams within your organization are submitting Entries to the Challenge, please inform us via email at [email protected], and provide an explanation of how your team meets the aforementioned requirement. Fiscal sponsors may submit more than one application, but only one application per fiscally sponsored project.

Ineligible Organizations

1. The data.org Challenge welcomes participation from organizations and groups worldwide, with the exception of those based in Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Russia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea, and Ukraine (Russian-occupied territories).
2. Additionally, individuals such as directors, officers, employees, and contractors of the Challenge Partners, along with their subsidiaries, affiliates, immediate family members, and persons residing in the same households are not eligible to take part in the Challenge.

Entries from Groups or Alliances

1. Organizations have the option to form coalitions and submit a collective application under these Regulations.
2. However, any awards granted to coalitions must be allocated to a single legal entity that will bear the legal responsibility for implementing the coalition’s proposal as outlined in their grant agreement.

Additional requirements for the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

1. Additional requirements must be met for your Entry to be considered.
2. Firstly, all applicants must register for the Challenge before applying.
3. Secondly, all Entries must comply with the Rules and be submitted within the specified deadlines.
4. It is important to note that your Entry should not contain any obscene, defamatory, or illegal content.
5. The Challenge Partners have the right to disqualify any Entries that violate this provision, as determined at their sole discretion.
6. Furthermore, all Entries must have a charitable purpose, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. This means that the project should have a broad social purpose and benefit, without resulting in significant financial gain for any individual or non-charitable entity. For more information on the requirements, please refer to the provided link.
7. Additionally, it is expected that the ownership, use, and/or licensing of any intellectual property resulting from the Challenge or any Challenge Award will be reflected in the Entries.
8. Grant agreements between data.org and non-501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may include stipulations related to intellectual property, which will be flexible and tailored to each project’s unique structure and goals.
9. Lastly, Challenge Awards cannot be used for projects that aim to influence elections, support lobbying efforts, engage in lobbying activities as defined by the Lobbying Disclosure Act, or violate any legal restrictions applicable to nonprofit organizations exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes federal, state, local, and foreign rules and regulations pertaining to advocacy.

Selection Criteria and Process for the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

Phase 1:

Upon submission of your entry, it will undergo an administrative review to ensure compliance with the rules. Qualified entries will then be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Impact, including the advancement of inclusive growth
2. Localism and IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and access)
3. Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence
4. Originality
5. Feasibility
6. Organizational Capacity
7. Partnerships
8. Scalability

Phase 2 (finalists):

Based on the assessment conducted in Phase 1, approximately 12-20 entrants will be invited to proceed to Phase 2 of the challenge. This phase will require the submission of additional documents and an interview. The selection committee will review and discuss the top entries to determine the final awardees. By participating in the challenge, you are agreeing to abide by the final decision made by the challenge selection committee.

Application for the Mastercard and data.org Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge

1. For details and to apply visit the official website
2. deadline is July 18, 2024