Meta AI has announced a new $2 million grant programme to support innovative applications of its latest open-source large language model, Llama 3.1, aimed at addressing critical global challenges.
The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, announced on August 5, will award up to $500,000 USD to selected organisations with ideas for leveraging Llama 3.1 to tackle social issues in their communities. The programme is a continuation of Meta AI's efforts to promote the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies for social good.
The grant programme will focus on proposals addressing areas such as economic development, science and innovation, and public service. Meta AI emphasises its commitment to open-source AI, arguing that it helps ensure more equitable access to AI technologies worldwide.
In addition to the open call for applications, Meta AI will host a series of in-person and virtual events globally to explore how Llama 3.1 can address local community challenges. These events, spanning regions from Egypt to Vietnam, will offer technical guidance and mentorship to prospective applicants.
Organisations participating in these regional events will be eligible for specialised awards of up to $100,000 USD, in addition to consideration for the main $500,000 USD grants.
The announcement comes less than a year after the launch of Meta AI's inaugural Llama Impact Grants programme, which received over 800 applications from more than 90 countries. The company reports significant real-world applications of Llama in fields such as education, entertainment, and medicine since the program's inception.
Applications for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants are open until November 22, 2024, with recipients to be announced early next year.