AI INITIATIVE
AI is entering the social sector
MIT’s J-PAL has awarded funding to eight new studies through a new initiative called Project AI Evidence.
The aim is to understand how AI tools can be used responsibly to reduce poverty and inequality.
AI is often seen as full of promise, but it can also create risks if rolled out too quickly.
This project focuses on finding out what actually works, who benefits, and where AI could cause harm instead.
Project AI Evidence will connect governments, nonprofits, and tech partners with leading researchers to test AI tools in areas like education, health, climate resilience, and job access.
Here’s what you should know:
MIT is funding eight studies to test how AI can support poverty reduction.
The focus is on evidence and real-world impact, not AI hype.
Early projects include education support, bias reduction, and job opportunity tools.
The “show us it works” era
The programme is supported by organisations including Google.org, Community Jameel, Canada’s IDRC, UK International Development, and Amazon Web Services.
It will also study how generative AI is affecting workplaces in lower-income countries.
The first studies will look at AI tools that help teachers spot learning gaps, systems that reduce gender bias in schools, and tools that support career counselling by identifying overlooked skills.
J-PAL says this is an early step toward scaling AI solutions that are proven to be effective, safe, and inclusive.
This is what “responsible innovation” is supposed to look like. - MG