AI4D labs coordination hub for Asia

In Asia, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping education, health, public services and labour markets, yet many countries face persistent barriers to using these technologies in ways that reflect local priorities and social realities. These barriers include limited research and institutional capacity, unequal access to computing resources, fragmented collaboration across countries and insufficient guidance on ethical and inclusive design. Without targeted intervention, these gaps risk reinforcing inequality and exposing communities to new social and economic harms.

In response to these challenges, this project aims to reinforce Asia's AI research-for-development ecosystem by establishing three multidisciplinary labs along with a regional coordination hub. The labs will undertake rigorous, context-relevant research in responsible and inclusive AI. The hub will serve as a regional anchor for collaboration, learning and scaling responsible AI innovation by coordinating research priorities, administering sub-grants and facilitating systematic evidence-sharing among policymakers and practitioners. Lab selection will occur through a competitive process. Most of the funding will be allocated directly to the labs to enable research, training and local innovation.

This project forms part of the Artificial Intelligence for Development program, a multi-year partnership between IDRC and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office that supports safe, responsible and inclusive uses of AI across Africa and Asia. The program seeks to strengthen research capacity, inform policy and practice and expand leadership so that AI contributes to improved quality of life and reduces inequality in low- and middle-income regions.