OpenAI expands its AI for Impact Accelerator Programme in India, supporting 11 nonprofits with $150,000 in API credits to solve social issues through AI. Partnering with local organisations, OpenAI advances inclusive innovation in healthcare, education, and more, aligning with India’s AI Mission for national tech empowerment.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced the next phase of its global ‘AI for Impact Accelerator Programme’ in India, marking a year of meaningful progress in empowering nonprofit organisations to tackle real-world social issues using artificial intelligence (AI).
As part of this expansion, 11 nonprofit organisations in India will receive new OpenAI API credits, boosting the total technical grants under the initiative to $150,000. These API credits, which operate like prepaid access to OpenAI’s tools, allow organisations to innovate and deploy AI solutions without the constraints of recurring payments.
This move is now a core element of the newly consolidated OpenAI Academy, an initiative dedicated to making AI more accessible, practical, and aligned with solving societal challenges. Over the past year, Indian nonprofits in the programme have developed AI-driven tools across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, disability inclusion, and gender equity — helping underserved communities access resources and opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Delivered in collaboration with The Agency Fund, Tech4Dev, and Turn.io, the programme provides not only technical resources but also hands-on mentorship, cohort-based learning, and early access to cutting-edge AI models. This partnership-driven approach ensures a support system for innovation that is both inclusive and impact-oriented.
In line with India’s national strategy through the India AI Mission, the programme helps democratise access to advanced AI technologies. The mission aims to build a strong AI ecosystem and develop locally relevant, scalable technology solutions to address India’s unique social and economic needs.
| Also Read: North Korea: UN report on Russia ties is a ‘Bogus’ Political Tool |
Pragya Misra, Policy and Partnerships Lead at OpenAI India, praised the Indian nonprofits involved, saying they have demonstrated how AI can be applied with empathy, responsibility, and creativity. She noted that the work done by the cohort aligns with India’s broader vision of tech-led development and innovation for the public good.
To further support these efforts, OpenAI recently hosted a workshop in India showcasing its latest AI models. The workshop helped participating organisations explore ways to scale their initiatives and deepen their understanding of AI’s potential in solving complex problems.
Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to expand the initiative further, onboarding more nonprofits later this year. With its growing footprint in India, the company is evolving from simply offering access to AI tools to building real-world, human-centered impact — a shift that reflects its broader mission to ensure AI technology benefits everyone, especially those in under-resourced regions.
