Google pledges $27M to boost AI skills in Europe

The logo of Google is pictured during the Viva Tech start-up and technology summit in Paris, France, May 25, 2018. Photo by Reuters

Announcing the funding on Monday, the tech giant said it had opened applications for social enterprises and nonprofits that could help reach those most likely to benefit from training.

The firm will also run a series of "growth academies" to support companies using AI to scale their companies and has expanded its free online AI training courses to 18 languages.

"Research shows that the benefits of AI could exacerbate existing inequalities — especially in terms of economic security and employment," said Adrian Brown, executive director of the Centre for Public Impact, which is running the nonprofit scheme alongside Google.

"This new program will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind,"

Last month, Google announced it would invest $1 billion into building a data center just outside of London, as it moves to meet growing demand for internet services in the region.

The data center, located on a 33-acre (13-hectare) site bought by Google in 2020, will be located in the town of Waltham Cross, about 15 miles (24.14 km) north of central London, the Alphabet-owned, opens new tab company said in a statement.

($1 = 0.9265 euros)