OpenAI have announced the launch of its OpenAI Academy programme. This initiative aims to fuel AI innovation by investing in developers and organisations in low- and middle-income countries.
The OpenAI Academy will provide comprehensive support to foster AI talent and drive economic growth in diverse communities worldwide. The programme includes expert training and technical guidance from OpenAI professionals, distribution of $1 million in API credits to expand access to OpenAI models, creation of a global network for developer collaboration, and contests and incubators to support organisations addressing local challenges.
The initiative builds on OpenAI's previous efforts to support AI developers globally. Notable examples include KOBI, an AI-powered tool helping dyslexic students learn to read, and I-Stem, which enhances access to employment resources for visually impaired communities in India.
To further its commitment to global AI accessibility, OpenAI has funded the translation of the Massive Multitask Language Understanding (MMLU) benchmark into 14 languages, including Arabic, Bengali, and Swahili.
By investing in local talent and organisations, OpenAI aims to catalyse innovation across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance in developing nations.
The initiative underscores OpenAI's belief that supporting those who understand the unique cultures, economies, and social dynamics of their communities will help ensure that AI applications are tailored to meet local needs.