Google pledges $36m to boost AI skills in Europe

Source: The Straits Times

LONDON - Google has pledged 25 million euros (S$36 million) to help people in Europe learn to use artificial intelligence (AI).

Announcing the funding on Feb 12, the tech giant said it had opened applications for social enterprises and non-profits that could help reach those most likely to benefit from training.

The firm will also run a series of "growth academies" to support companies using AI to scale their companies and has expanded its free online AI training courses to 18 languages.

"Research shows that the benefits of AI could exacerbate existing inequalities - especially in terms of economic security and employment," said Mr Adrian Brown, executive director of the Centre for Public Impact, which is running the non-profit scheme alongside Google.

"This new programme will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind."

In January, Google announced it would invest US$1 billion (S$1.34 billion) into building a data centre just outside of London, as it moves to meet growing demand for internet services in the region.

The data centre, located on a 13ha site bought by Google in 2020, will be located in the town of Waltham Cross, about 25km north of central London, the Alphabet-owned company said in a statement. REUTERS