AI4GH pathways to commercialization — LAC

 

Most health systems in low- and middle-income countries are composed of a mix of private and public service delivery and financing. Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are poised to have a major impact on health systems by using large amounts of data to help systems with prediction, diagnosis, point-of-care service delivery and more. While AI technologies have the potential to improve healthcare and health systems in low-resource contexts that may struggle to fulfill demand and reach vulnerable communities, these innovations carry considerable risks when poorly designed or ill-conceived. Achieving high-quality and accessible care for all requires the active participation of the private sector. The essential role of the private sector in the development of AI technologies to solve public health issues is contingent on sufficient capacity to design and deliver AI solutions in responsible and ethical ways. 

Through a funding call for small grants and an incubation and mentorship program, this project will catalyze an ecosystem of local, socially oriented entrepreneurs and innovators who are deploying AI for improved health systems. It will focus on sexual, reproductive and maternal health and epidemic and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It will strengthen the business models of five to seven start-ups, enhance capacities to deliver responsible AI solutions and scale their businesses for social impact. It will also build a network for AI-for-health start-ups with the local and regional entrepreneurship ecosystem, high-profile companies and investors, and other relevant actors and mentors in digital health globally.

This project is part of a collaborative investment between IDRC’s Education and Sciences and Global Health teams on Artificial Intelligence for Global Health (AI4GH).