BOSTON, MA – December 5, 2024
Link Health is proud to announce that we have been selected as one of the five global recipients of the prestigious Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion (AI2AI) Challenge. This global award, presented by data.org and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, recognizes organizations that are leveraging AI to advance inclusion and economic empowerment. Link Health is the sole U.S.-based organization among the five recipients chosen from a pool of over 500 applicants across 82 countries.
The AI2AI Challenge supports projects that scale AI solutions to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges in areas like climate crisis, financial inclusion, and small business development. Link Health’s innovative AI-powered platform will address the underutilization of federal assistance programs by increasing access to vital financial benefits for low-income and marginalized communities. Our goal is to unlock $10 million in state and federal benefits to help alleviate poverty, reduce financial stress, and improve well-being.
“We are deeply honored to be selected for the AI2AI Challenge,” said Dr. Alister Martin, CEO of Link Health. “This recognition underscores our commitment to using AI to break down barriers to financial assistance and help families thrive. With the support from data.org and Mastercard, we are excited to scale our efforts and reach even more people who need these benefits the most.”
The award includes $200,000 in funding, technical resources, and mentorship from data.org and Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Link Health will use these resources to develop its AI-powered enrollment platform and chatbot, which will assist individuals in accessing federal benefits such as SNAP, Lifeline, and more.
The Link Health initiative aims to accelerate inclusive growth by ensuring that vulnerable populations can access critical resources through the healthcare system, making this initiative a cornerstone of both financial and social equity. The platform’s use of AI will not only address immediate economic needs but also foster long-term financial stability and independence for families.
“The power of AI to drive impact is tremendous and must be harnessed to ensure its benefits extend to all segments of society,” said Danil Mikhailov, executive director of data.org. “In the data and AI race to be first and move fast, we must thoughtfully strive for inclusive growth that leverages data and AI to tackle the world’s most pressing problems.”
Link Health joins a distinguished cohort of AI innovators, including Quipu (Colombia), IDinsight (Ethiopia), International Rescue Committee (Global), and Buzzworthy Ventures (India), all of whom are making remarkable strides in their respective fields with AI solutions that drive social good.
About data.org
data.org is a nonprofit organization that connects people and organizations working to drive social impact through the use of data. Their mission is to advance data science as a force for good by equipping organizations with the resources, tools, and expertise they need to address complex global challenges. data.org is committed to building partnerships and accelerating the growth of data and AI solutions that improve lives and contribute to inclusive growth.
About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth is committed to advancing inclusive economic growth through data, technology, and partnerships. The center works to create an inclusive digital economy by helping individuals, communities, and businesses thrive. Through innovative initiatives and collaborations, the Mastercard Center is dedicated to fostering economic opportunities that empower individuals and reduce inequality worldwide.
About Link Health
Link Health is dedicated to using innovative technology to bridge gaps in healthcare and financial services. Our AI-powered platform connects individuals with underutilized federal assistance programs, helping families access benefits that improve their economic stability and overall well-being.