o9 Solutions, a leading provider of enterprise AI software platforms to transform planning and decision making, recently announced the submission of its first o9 Digital Tomorrow grant.

$250,000 will be invested to support initiatives that help promote digital literacy and promote technological inclusion in diverse communities.

Igor Rikalo, president and COO at o9 Solution, stated through a press release:

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.

Goals

According to the tech firm, the intended purpose of the grant includes:

• Help communities improve digital literacy
• Improve and expand access to technological devices
• Promote the use of technology by marginalized groups
• Promote responsible digital citizenship
• Foster innovation and strengthen community participation

The application process is open to eligible entities, including non-profit organizations, community organizations, and educational institutions, through Oct. 31, 2023.

Social impact

o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant is described by the company as a continuation of the company's strong commitment to support social impact initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility in technology.

o9 has supported community-focused organizations around the world, highlighting the following examples:

• 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.

#o9Solutions is launching its inaugural #o9DigitalTomorrowGrant, which will provide $250,000 to support initiatives that help advance #DigitalLiteracy and promote #TechnologyInclusion for underserved communities.https://t.co/CKTDpl9h9i

— o9 Solutions, Inc. (@o9solutions) September 6, 2023

"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,” added Rikalo.

Eligible applications will be reviewed by a comprehensive panel of stakeholders within o9, as well as company partners. Final selection will be made by o9 leadership and selected entities will be notified in early Dec. 2023.