Equitech Futures awarded grant from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation to Build Global Network of Civic Tech Innovators

Equitech Futures has been awarded $400,000 in grant funding from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation to advance its mission of supporting the next generation of technology leaders who are developing AI and data tools to address civic challenges worldwide.

The grant will support Equitech Futures' Applied Data Institute, Civic Tech Institute, and Tech For Impact research fellowships, which aim to create a new generation of technologists equipped to tackle pressing civic and social challenges through the responsible application of AI and data science.

"AI will profoundly reshape how governments deliver services and measure their impact. We need a new corps of technologists who can deploy AI tools and develop the systems necessary for the effective use of AI for civic challenges. We are grateful to the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation for their support in building our efforts to support the next generation of civic tech leaders," said Dr. Abhilash Mishra, founder and Chief Science Officer of Equitech Futures.

This funding is part of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation's broader $73.5 million commitment to AI innovation with social purpose announced this year. The foundation's support will enable Equitech Futures to expand its programs that bridge the gap between technological innovation and public service.

"The way we choose to envision, develop, and govern AI technologies today will fundamentally shape the future of our society. The stakes couldn't be higher," said Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. "This is not a moment to react; it's a moment to lead. We believe that by investing in AI solutions grounded in human values, we can harness technology's immense potential to benefit communities and individuals alike. AI can amplify human dignity, protect the vulnerable, drive global prosperity, and become a force for good."

The funding recognizes the success of the Applied Data Institute and Civic Tech Institute, two postgraduate programs launched by Equitech Futures that have become sector-defining fellowships to launch the next generation of technology leaders. Sanya Pawah, a civil engineer who attended the inaugural Civic Tech Institute in 2023, credits the Institute for her career pivot into public healthcare. 'I came to Equitech with minimal knowledge about AI and how it can be leveraged in the development sector. Today, I am spearheading a national-level Tuberculosis screening program under the Clinton Foundation that is deploying AI-enabled handheld chest X-ray machines in remote areas, streamlining diagnosis and expanding healthcare access across 11 states,' Pawah says.

"The Civic Tech Toolkit class was a brilliant introduction to AI and data science. I learned about how AI functions, the algorithms used to create robust AI systems, the challenges one might face while collecting data for training these systems, and how these systems are being used in the field of public healthcare and climate change," she said. "I will always be grateful to Equitech Futures for being a turning point in my career. I feel like a lot of doors have opened now, and all I need to do is walk through them."

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private, and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access, and data maturity in the social sector.