Link to the RFP in case of reference
Link to the Application form
1. What is the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge?
The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge is an initiative by the Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI) at the African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS) to support the scaling of responsible AI innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to advance AI solutions that address development challenges in sectors such as education, climate change, agriculture, food security, and inequality (including gender, disabilities, and vulnerable communities). The challenge provides funding, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and collaboration to help innovators scale their deployed, in-use AI solutions for significant social impact.
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual researchers and innovators.
- AI startups and small/medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Research institutions and universities engaged in AI research and development.
- Consortia comprising multiple stakeholders working collaboratively on AI solutions.
- Applicants must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa and have a proven, deployed AI solution beyond the proof-of-concept phase.
3. What types of AI solutions are eligible?
Eligible AI solutions must:
- Be deployed and in use under real-life conditions, beyond the proof-of-concept phase.
- Address development challenges in priority sectors: gender equality, disability, and inclusion; agriculture and skills development; agriculture and food security; or climate and food security
- Demonstrate responsible AI practices, scalability, and sustainability.
- Serve a specific community with evidence of community engagement during development and implementation.
- Solutions should be innovative, impactful, and not adequately addressed by existing solutions.
4. What support will the selected participants receive?
Selected participants will receive:
- Funding to scale their AI innovation. (USD 100,000)
- Collaboration and technical assistance through the Scaling of Responsible AI Solutions (SRAIS) program, including tailored training and ethical guidance.
- A third-party assessment of their AI solution, focusing on responsible AI, gender equality, and risk mitigation.
- Networking opportunities with innovators, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and funders.
- Enhanced understanding of responsible AI, including gender equality and inclusion (GEID).
- Preparation for regulatory changes and ethical auditing.
- Potential follow-on funding opportunities for responsibly scaling innovations.
Applicants must fill out the template provided on the Submittable platform . The application includes:
- An applicant profile detailing background, experience, and ability to develop an AI solution.
- A project concept note describing the AI innovation, targeted challenges, objectives, implementation plans, and expected outcomes.
- An initial self-administered responsible AI and scaling assessment.
- Submissions must adhere to the guidelines, and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
6. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 4, 2025, at 23:30 East Africa Time (EAT).
7. Who are ACTS/ACAII and what do they do?
The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is an organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on advancing technology and innovation for sustainable development in Africa. The ACTS Artificial Intelligence Institute (ACAII) manages the Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI), which has the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge pillar. The LEPSAI project guides scaling efforts, provides technical assistance, collaborates with innovators, and develops use cases to foster an inclusive AI ecosystem across Africa.
8. What is meant by “scaling” in this innovation challenge?
Scaling refers to expanding the reach and impact of deployed, in-use AI innovations beyond their current user base. This involves increasing the solution’s adoption, geographic coverage, operational scope while maintaining responsible AI practices, ensuring ethical considerations, inclusivity, and sustainability. The challenge supports solutions that demonstrate readiness to scale and have a clear pathway for further expansion.
9. Does the AI solution need to be fully developed?
The AI solution NEEDS TO BE AT LEAST AN MVP (Minimum Viable Product). It should be proven to work through successful deployment in an operational setting among the intended user community.
10. How long is the support period for selected projects?
The support period for selected projects is up to 12 months.
11. Is there a specific definition of “Responsible AI”?
Responsible AI involves ensuring that all stages of development (problem formulation, data collection, model development, deployment, and scaling) are implemented ethically, minimize harm, promote inclusivity, human rights, gender equality and sustainability. The Scaling of Responsible AI Solutions (SRAIS) program supports innovators in adhering to these principles, and a third-party assessment will focus on responsible AI with an emphasis on gender equality and risk mitigation.
The objective is to support the scaling of existing, deployed AI innovations that are beyond the proof-of-concept phase and have demonstrated impact in real-life conditions including mobile and web-based AI Applications.
Yes
Yes, AI tools developed and open-sourced by eligible institutions (research institutions, universities, or SMEs) are eligible, provided they meet the RFP’s criteria: the solution must be deployed in an operational setting, demonstrate scalability, and address a specific problem in the focus areas (education, agriculture, climate, or inequality).
In the context of the RFP, AI (artificial intelligence) refers to digital tools or systems that leverage computational techniques to address development challenges responsibly. It is not a plan or strategy but a technological solution that must be tested, deployed, and scalable, with a focus on ethical and inclusive implementation.
A platform to connect the AI community with stakeholders could be eligible if it is a deployed AI solution that demonstrates impact in one of the focus areas (education, agriculture, or inequality) and meets the scalability and responsibility criteria. The platform must be beyond the proof-of-concept phase and actively engage the target community.
Yes, Provided the solution is AI based.
According to the RFP SMEs are established businesses with demonstrated AI solutions, and startups are newer ventures with scalable AI innovations. Both must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa and have deployed solutions beyond the proof-of-concept phase.
No, the RFP explicitly states that early-stage ideation-only concepts are not eligible. Solutions must be beyond the proof-of-concept phase, successfully deployed in operational settings, and demonstrate readiness to scale.
Yes, sustainability refers to the ongoing viability and impact of the AI solution beyond the current funding cycle. Additionally, sustainability may also refer to the environmental friendliness of your solution.
The RFP does not explicitly require solutions to be hosted online. Tried-and-tested solutions that are deployed in operational settings and have engaged in the target community are eligible, regardless of whether they are hosted online, provided they demonstrate scalability.
Yes, proposing a solution for a new geographical area is permissible if the solution is already deployed and tested in an operational setting. A baseline survey demonstrating the solution’s suitability for the new area strengthens the application by showing community engagement and potential impact.
Yes.
Yes, solutions related to the agricultural supply chain, such as market access, are accepted under the focus area of “Agriculture and Food Security,” which includes enhancing agricultural productivity and improving food systems through AI-driven solutions.
25. Is AI synonymous with artificial intelligence?
Yes, in the context of the RFP, AI refers to artificial intelligence, specifically technological solutions that address development challenges in a responsible and inclusive manner.
26. Does AI refer to a digital tool, a strategy, or a specific model?
In the context of this RFP AI refers to a digital tool or system, not a strategy or abstract model. The RFP emphasizes deployed AI solutions that are tested in operational settings and address specific challenges in the focus areas.
Yes, as noted in question 16, geographical scaling to a new location is acceptable if the solution is already deployed and tested elsewhere, and a baseline survey confirms its suitability for the new population’s needs. The geographical areas must be within the Sub-Saharan Africa eligible countries.
For further inquiries, contact LEPSAI-ACTS at lepsai@acts-net.org or +254724124661.
Yes, as noted in question 16, geographical scaling to a new location is acceptable if the solution is already deployed and tested elsewhere, and a baseline survey confirms its suitability for the new population’s needs. The geographical areas must be within the Sub-Saharan Africa eligible countries.