o9 Solutions, a leading enterprise AI software platform provider for transforming planning and decision-making, today announced the launch of its inaugural o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant, which will provide $250,000 to support initiatives that help advance digital literacy and promote technology inclusion for underserved communities.
The grant’s intended purpose is to help communities improve digital literacy, enhance and broaden access to technology devices, empower marginalized groups’ use of technology, promote responsible digital citizenship, foster innovation, and strengthen community engagement. The 2023 application process is open to eligible entities, including non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and educational institutions as outlined in the grant’s guidelines, through Oct. 31, 2023. Eligible applications will be reviewed by a comprehensive panel of stakeholders from within o9, and the Company’s partners. The final selection will be made by o9 leadership and selected entities will be notified in early December 2023.
“The digital divide is a significant issue in our global society, and the groups and regions affected by a lack of access to technology cannot fully participate in the digital age,” says Igor Rikalo, President and COO at o9 Solutions. “Through the o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant, we seek to continue to help bridge this gap by funding organizations that foster access to technology that help educate and empower underserved communities to flourish in a technology-driven world.”
o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant is a continuance of the Company’s strong commitment to supporting social impact initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility in technology. o9 has championed community-focused organizations across the globe through:
- o9 supported 2 interns from the Microsoft and Tata STRIVE Cybershikshaa program, helping female engineering/MCA graduates from humble backgrounds enter the digital industry.
- o9 hosted a virtual panel with Girls Inc, an organization that empowers young women through mentorship and programming.
- o9 donated laptops for Panchayath Union Middle School in celebration of Teachers day in India. The teachers were trained to use the laptops and the educational resources installed.
- o9 collaborated with India Cares Foundation, Swabhimaan and VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth and Adults, to set up a Computer Learning Center to provide accessible computer education for all the children in one of the urban communities in Bangalore.
- o9 has a strategic collaboration with the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS). o9 provided B. Tech curriculum books to 15 women engineering colleges in Telangana. Furthermore, o9 funded the complete renovation and donation of equipment enabling more than 600 girls to access fully equipped and advanced science labs.
- In ‘Q4 2022, o9 made a substantial contribution to Khan Academy to support their hosting costs so that its free education resources could be accessible to 750,000 digital learners across the globe.
