IIITB AND MICROSOFT
/IIITB & MICROSOFT
IIITB & MICROSOFT
A Complementary Partnership
The AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative (A4I) is a collaboration between Microsoft as innovation enablers, and IIIT-Bangalore as the impact partner. The initiative combines Microsoft’s cutting-edge AI capabilities and innovations with IIIT-B’s expertise in research, solution-scaling and field-driven deployment to transform proven innovations into scalable Digital Public Goods (DPGs). A4I provides a structured framework for governance, partnerships, and scale, enabling high-impact AI solutions to reach underserved communities effectively.
The value that each partner brings to the table is summarized below.
MICROSOFT
Microsoft has a range of research assets in societal impact domains such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and accessibility, which have demonstrated the impact of these innovations on a small and medium scale, with some (like Karya) even successfully spinning off to become independent, self-sustaining entities.
However, scaling these assets beyond successful pilots has been stymied by the lack of resources, a reliably supporting scaling infrastructure, and expertise at various levels.
The AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative strongly aligns with Microsoft India’s strategic priorities by addressing the problems in the public-sector priority states in India.
States such as Karnataka, Telangana, or Rajasthan are directly targeted by the project interventions being scaled
Microsoft brings the following strengths to A4I
- Dedicated funding from Microsoft Philanthropies to support scaling of technology innovations and rigorous research on societal impact.
- Thought leadership in developing AI solutions for the public good, reflecting Microsoft’s deep commitment to inclusion, equity, and empowering underserved communities.
- A portfolio of proven, research-backed innovations from Microsoft Research, ready for adaptation and deployment at scale.
International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru (IIIT-B)
IIIT-B is a highly respected institute in contributions to DPGs, public policy and tech solutions for society.
For more than 12 years, the Centre for Information Technology and Public Policy (CITAPP) has shaped public policy and technology design for underserved communities across education, health, agriculture, and livelihoods.
The Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS) at IIIT-B is a multidisciplinary research hub focused on inclusive design. With the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI) also at IIIT-B, A4I can leverage existing networks and infrastructure to scale Microsoft’s technology innovations effectively.
MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform) was incubated at IIIT-B and has been adopted in over 20 countries. IIIT-B has also scaled projects through its E-Health Research Centre (EHRC), such as Tele Manas, India’s flagship digital mental health initiative, handling over 10,000 calls per month.
