$60 Million Available for AI Decision Support Tool Evaluations – Apply Now

The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has highlighted a significant evidence gap. From AI-driven triage assistants to Large Language Model (LLM)-based symptom checkers, these technologies are being implemented in places like Kenya and Myanmar. However, many of these initiatives lack extensive local validation.

Out of 86 randomized clinical trials involving AI health tools conducted globally from 2018 to 2023, only four were conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These nations are where community health workers and primary care providers are most in need of effective decision support systems.

Without evidence from their local settings, governments in these regions face challenges in adopting or scaling AI tools. Consequently, there is a risk that valuable innovations may stall in their transition from theory to practical application, resulting in wasted investments and exacerbating existing healthcare disparities.

$60 Million Funding from Gates, Welcome, Novo

The Evidence for AI in Health initiative, aims to assess AI-enabled clinical decision support tools already deployed by frontline workers in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

This initiative, supported by Wellcome Trust, the Gates Foundation, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, offers funding along two distinct pathways for promising tools.

• Pathway A (up to $1M USD, 3–12 months): Designed for AI tools in the early stages of real-world application. This pathway evaluates usability, integration into workflows, adoption rates, safety, and initial cost-effectiveness.
• Pathway B (up to $3M USD, 12–24 months): Geared towards tools that are prepared for scaling. It assesses the measurable impacts on health outcomes, system efficiency, and equitable access across different populations.

Both pathways require projects that have moved beyond proof-of-concept and established partnerships for deployment in healthcare facilities.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, for-profit organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and multi-actor collaborations. Proposals must be spearheaded by organizations that are registered and operational within Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Southeast Asia, ensuring at least 80% of the funding supports local entities.

Apply Now: The deadline for applications is April 1, 2026.

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