New $200 million partnership backs AI public goods projects. Anabelle Colaco 16 May 2026, 21:05 GMT+ SAN FRANCISCO, California: Anthropic and the Gates Foundation have launched a four-year, US$200 million partnership to support artificial intelligence projects focused on health, education, and other public-interest initiatives. The two organizations said that each will contribute roughly half of the commitment. Anthropic's contribution will include technical staff support and usage credits for its Claude chatbot, while the Gates Foundation will provide grant funding, program design, and technical expertise. The initiative follows a separate $50 million agreement announced in January between the Gates Foundation and OpenAI to support 1,000 clinics and communities across Africa with AI tools by 2028. The new partnership aims to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more broadly at a time when concerns are growing that the technology could widen inequality and displace jobs. One major focus will be on improving language accessibility. Janet Zhou, a director at the Gates Foundation, said many AI systems perform poorly when writing and translating dozens of African languages. To address this, the partnership plans to support data collection and labeling efforts that will be released publicly to improve AI models across the industry. Another area under consideration is the creation of knowledge graphs to help AI systems better support teachers in sub-Saharan Africa and India. "The public-goods focus has come from the needs of different partners and governments, including some of the fears that they may have around proprietary lock-in and sovereignty," Zhou said. The organizations also plan to equip research centers with Claude to help identify potential drug candidates for treating HPV and preeclampsia, conditions that have historically attracted less commercial investment from pharmaceutical companies. Elizabeth Kelly, who leads Anthropic's beneficial deployments team, said the partnership aligns closely with the company's founding principles. "This announcement is really core to who we are as a company," Kelly said. Anthropic, backed by Google and Amazon, has grown rapidly as demand for its AI and coding tools has surged.

A&T nets $4.5M grant to expand degree pathways for adult learners. EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 13, 2026) - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Extended Campus will significantly expand pathways to degree completion for thousands of former Aggies with the support of a $4.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation. More than 17,000 career-stage learners began their education at North Carolina A&T but did not complete their degrees. This new investment will help the university re-engage students who've paused their studies and provide flexible, student-centered options designed to meet the needs of individuals balancing work, family and other responsibilities. Through the Extended Campus, N.C. A&T will enhance its infrastructure to better serve career-stage learners, including expanding online and flexible learning options, strengthening student support services and improving re-enrollment pathways for stop-out students. This work will directly support the university's Forever Learning initiative, reinforcing a commitment to lifetime engagement and the belief that learning should be a lifelong pursuit. "At North Carolina A&T, we are committed to ensuring that every student who begins their journey with us has a clear and supported path to completion, and we are grateful to the Gates Foundation for supporting that commitment and our students," said Chancellor James R. Martin II. "By meeting career-stage learners where they are, we are strengthening not only individual futures, but the economic vitality of the communities we serve. Learning is not an event you only experience between 18 and 23. It's a lifestyle, and we are forever learning." This effort reflects the university's ongoing commitment to access, equity and student success. By focusing on degree completion, A&T aims to support learners in achieving their educational goals while also strengthening workforce readiness and economic mobility across North Carolina and beyond. The initiative will prioritize outreach to former students, helping them understand that returning to A&T is both possible and supported. With flexible pathways, targeted resources, and a renewed focus on lifetime engagement, the university is creating opportunities for students to re-engage with confidence and complete their academic goals. "This grant allows us to intentionally reconnect with students who started their journey at A&T and ensure they have clear, accessible pathways to return and finish what they started," said Regina Williams Davis, Ph.D., assistant vice provost for the Extended Campus. "We recognize that life happens, and this initiative is about removing barriers and creating opportunities for students to complete their degrees on their terms." A&T remains a national leader in advancing access to higher education and is committed to building innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of today's learners. All News, College News, Headlines

Nandi Madida joins Gates Foundation's global creative council. Nandi Madida joins the Gates Foundation as a Global Creative Councillor, continuing her advocacy for mothers and children across Africa. 07-04-26 21:00 Nandi Madida celebrates her appointment as a Global Creative Councillor at the Gates Foundation. Image: Nandi Madida via Instagram (@nandi madida) South African media personality, podcaster and singer Nandi Madida has been named one of the Global Creative Councillors at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Madida shared the exciting news with her followers on Instagram, reflecting on the work that has long shaped her passion for supporting mothers across the continent Nandi's passion for supporting mothers. In her caption, Madida explained that advocating for mothers has always been at the centre of her mission. "This continent's mothers have always been my why. Long before any title, showing up for mothers has been my purpose. Through The Motherhood Network and in every space I have been given access to, I have tried to tell their stories, hold their experiences with care, and advocate for the women who carry so much, so quietly." Her advocacy work through her platform, The Motherhood Network, continues to amplify the voices and experiences of mothers while highlighting important issues affecting families. Nandi Madida reflects on global recognition. Madida said the appointment as a Global Creative Councillor marks an important moment in her journey of advocacy. "Being named a Global Creative Councillor at the Gates Foundation feels like the work being seen. And I do not take that lightly." She revealed that she recently spent time in South Africa working alongside an international team focused on improving the lives of mothers and children. "Last week I spent time in South Africa with an incredible international team, inside spaces doing real, urgent work for mothers and children. It moved me in ways I am still processing." Continuing the mission in bigger spaces. Despite receiving global recognition, Madida said her commitment to advocating for mothers remains unchanged. "I will keep showing up. That has never changed. This just means I get to do it in bigger rooms." The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that works to reduce disease and poverty while helping build a more equal world. Following the announcement, Madida received congratulatory messages from fellow public figures who praised her for the milestone. Post navigation. On this island, none of this treasure is buriedAtlantis Paradise Island | Sponsored All-Inclusive Resort in Punta CanaRelax at Grand Palladium's all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy the sun, the beach, and endless dining and entertainment options. Make your vacation dreams come true!Palladium Hotel Group | Sponsored