The Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI), of the African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS) invites eligible AI innovators to express their interest in participating in the AI4D Innovation scaling challenge.

The Innovation scaling challenge of AI4D is an initiative that supports the appropriate scaling of responsible AI innovations that can have a demonstrated impact in priority sectors and domains. These include education, climate change mitigation and adaptation, agriculture and food security, and solutions that reduce inequality, including those focused on gender inequality, disabilities, and vulnerable communities.

Objective of the project

This project is intended to support deployed and in-use AI innovations that promise significant social impact and demonstrate readiness to scale.

The innovation or solution must:

• Demonstrate readiness to scale beyond the current user base.
• Solutions must be beyond the proof-of-concept phase and be deployed under real-life conditions. Earlier-stage ideation-only concepts will not be considered at this time.
• Responsible AI can tackle Africa’s development challenges, but scaling real-world solutions responsibly is critical.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible applicants include the following:

1. Individual researchers and innovators.
2. AI startups and MSMEs/SMEs.
3. Research institutions and Universities that are engaged in AI Research and Development.
4. Consortia comprising multiple stakeholders working collaboratively on AI solutions.

Focus Sectors

In alignment with the AI4D vision, the challenge will prioritize solutions that serve, support or are aligned with any one or a combination of the following themes:

• Gender Equality, Disability and Inclusion: Gender equality, disability, and inclusion are intertwined
  concepts that aim to ensure everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to services, regardless
  of their gender, disability, or other identity status. These are considered crosscutting themes and can be
  a distinct focus of a solution but should be embedded within other domains where relevant.
• Education and Skills Development: Leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences and
  outcomes.
• Agriculture and Food Security: Enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability and improving
  food systems through AI-driven solutions.
• Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability: AI tools for environmental monitoring, climate
  change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable natural resource management. These can include AI for deforestation tracking and biodiversity conservation, climate forecasting and adaptation modelling,
  AI in water and air quality monitoring, among others.

Benefits of this challenge to the Innovators

If you apply and are selected for the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge, you will receive:

• Funding to scale your in-use AI innovation
• Scaling of Responsible AI Solutions (SRAIS) collaboration/technical assistance from a global network of experts. SRAIS supports innovators in ensuring that all stages of the AI solution development; problem formulation, data collection, model development, model deployment, and model scaling are implemented ethically and with consideration of human rights and other key principles of responsible AI.
• Networking opportunities with like-minded innovators, researchers, industry leaders, policy makers,
  and funders

Available Funding

The applicable seed funding support is 100,000 USD depending on the stage of solution development and subsequent plans of the innovator. Ongoing funding after the initial challenge completion is possible for those which show significant promise in scaling.

Submission Guidelines

Applicants should fill the template provided on submittable HERE. The template shall constitute of;

• Applicant profile: Background information, including relevant experience and ability to develop an AI solution.
• Project Concept Note: A concise description of the AI Innovation Scaling, targeted challenges, objectives, implementation plans, and expected outcomes.
• An initial self-administered responsible AI and scaling assessment.

Application Link: https://ai4d.acts-net.org/ai4d-innovation-scaling-challenge/

Application Deadline: 4/09/2025