Facebook which already runs its popular AI for social good initiatives has launched the ‘India Innovation Accelerator’ emphasising on supporting and mentoring AI start-ups that can bridge gaps while addressing high social impact areas.

The social media giant also launched ‘Women in AI Hackathons’ aimed at encouraging diversity within the ecosystem by motivating women developers and women-led start-ups focusing on AI.

According to Engadget, Facebook would enable students to gain access to advanced courses on Deep Learning, launching its ‘100 Scholarships for students and developers’ programme.

This programme would nurture their ideas while using AI for social good. ‘AI for Social Good’ initiative is a Blood Donation tool which helps connect blood banks and hospitals to blood donors, it has around 35 million people signed up for it.

The winners would be provided courses on AI and machine learning (ML) by professors of Indian Institute of Technology.

In a statement Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director, Facebook India said. “We are an ally for India's economic growth and social development and this summit is our effort to understand how we can contribute to the development of deep tech in India, as well as corral resources to use these technologies to develop impactful solutions for tough and persistent problems.”

He also added, "At Facebook we are also committed to growing the local AI ecosystem, which can be achieved by providing support to start-ups, to the student community, and by ensuring diversity within the ecosystem itself."