Davos, Switzerland – AI 2030, a global initiative leading the charge for Responsible AI, today announced the launch of two transformative programs: the AI 2030 Data Challenge and the AI 2030 Awards. Partnering with industry leaders such as Sustainable IT, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), 1871, University of Dubai, Woxen University, University of Lausanne, Global Inclusive Economy Society, Empire AI, Rainforest Partnership, Diversity Atlas, AIandFaith.org, and Boston Quantara, these initiatives aim to address critical challenges in AI adoption, including bias, transparency, governance, and sustainability, while recognizing organizations that exemplify ethical AI leadership and innovation.
Partnering with industry leaders such as Sustainable IT, Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), 1871, University of Dubai, Woxen University, University of Lausanne, Global Inclusive Economy Society, Empire AI, Rainforest Partnership, Diversity Atlas, AIandFaith.org, and Boston Quantara, these initiatives aim to address critical challenges in AI adoption, including bias, transparency, governance, and sustainability, while recognizing organizations that exemplify ethical AI leadership and innovation.
“Data is the lifeblood of AI, and addressing the underlying data challenges is critical to unlocking its transformative power for humanity,” said Xiaochen Zhang, Executive Director of AI 2030. “It takes both visionary leadership and partnerships across borders, industries, and disciplines to overcome these challenges and ensure AI delivers equitable, lasting benefits for all.”
AI 2030 Data Challenge: Empowering Innovators to Shape the Future
The AI 2030 Data Challenge invites startups, researchers, and professionals to develop groundbreaking solutions across five focus areas:
- Data Diversity: Reducing bias in AI training datasets by improving inclusivity.
- Explainability: Enhancing AI model transparency to foster trust.
- Traceability: Building tools to link AI decisions to their data sources and methodologies.
- Sustainability: Minimizing AI’s environmental footprint through energy-efficient practices.
- Upskilling: Developing a Responsible AI workforce through education and mentorship.
Participants will receive access to curated datasets, cloud computing credits, and mentorship from AI experts. Winning solutions will be showcased on a prestigious global recognition tour at flagship events held during major high-level convening weeks, including:
- United Nations General Assembly Week in New York, USA
- World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, USA
- G20 Summit in South Africa
- COP30 in Brazil
AI 2030 Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Responsible AI
The AI 2030 Awards celebrate organizations that redefine ethical AI practices across five categories:
- AI 2030 Research Excellence Award: For groundbreaking research advancing ethical AI.
- Pioneers in Responsible AI Implementation Award: For corporations achieving measurable societal and business outcomes.
- Excellence in Responsible AI Innovation Award: For transformative AI innovations prioritizing ethics and accountability.
- AI Talent Development Leadership Award: For exceptional leadership in training Responsible AI talent.
- Stewardship in AI Governance Award: For robust governance frameworks ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance.
Awardees will be honored at the Chicago AI Week (June 16-20, 2025), gaining global recognition and access to exclusive networking opportunities with policymakers, industry leaders, and investors.
Global Leaders Endorse Collaboration
Prominent voices from partner organizations emphasized the significance of this initiative:
Rick Pastore, Research Principal, Sustainable IT:
“Sustainable IT is dedicated to reducing technology’s environmental footprint. Our collaboration with AI 2030 accelerates innovation in creating greener, energy-efficient AI systems.”
Sandra Ro, CEO, GBBC:
“GBBC is thrilled to collaborate with AI 2030 to drive accountability and transparency through blockchain and AI integration. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to human-centric and inclusive technology ecosystems.”
Betsy Ziegler, CEO, 1871
“At 1871, we believe that innovation flourishes at the intersection of data, technology, and purpose. The AI 2030 Data Challenge and AI 2030 Award celebrate the transformative power of AI to tackle real-world challenges. Together, we are shaping a future where data-driven insights and ethical AI empower communities, industries, and individuals to thrive.”
Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Dubai University:
“Our collaboration with AI 2030 underscores the University of Dubai’s commitment to fostering innovation that aligns with ethical and sustainable practices.”
Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President, Woxsen University:
“Woxsen University is dedicated to empowering ethical AI leaders. Partnering with AI 2030 reflects our mission to foster global solutions for humanity.”
Dr. Nicoleta Acatrinei, University of Lausanne
“At the University of Lausanne, we strive to provide research that integrates values in an ex-ante manner in AI-based tools, a knight-like AI where virtue and service are constitutive of AI at all stages and levels. That’s why the AI 2030 Data Challenge is aligned with our research and we support their mission.”
Eva Csaky, CEO, Global Inclusive Economy Society
“Data is the cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive economic development. Realizing its full potential demands human ingenuity and insight, complemented by AI and other technologies, to drive meaningful action and empower communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. The AI2030 Challenge introduces an innovative framework to foster such advancements, and GIES is honored to be part of this pivotal initiative.”
Robert Harrison, Interim Director, Empire AI:
“Empire AI is proud to drive statewide innovation, research, and development in AI. Partnering with AI 2030 allows us to expand this impact globally, fostering responsible AI technologies that benefit all communities.”
Niyanta Spelman, CEO, Rainforest Partnership
“Harnessing the potential of AI to accelerate the collection, vetting and analysis of critical rainforest and biodiversity data and indicators could significantly increase efficiency and reduce costs, as well as ultimately improve results and overall health of our forests. We’re excited to collaborate with AI2030 to manifest this through the AI Data Challenge.”
Peter Mousaferiadis, CEO, Diversity Atlas
“Diversity Atlas is proud to partner with the AI 2030 Data Challenge to advance inclusive and responsible AI innovation that reflects the rich diversity of cultural expression in humanity. We believe that achieving the world’s inclusive AI imperatives depends on building with the most robust and representative foundational data. Great things happen when everyone counts.”
Mark Graves, Research Director, AI and Faith – AIandFaith.org
“The vision of the AI 2030 Data Challenge is a practical, ambitious opportunity to catalyze the development of responsible AI application globally. The academic and professional expert network of AIandFaith.org finds synergy in supporting the inclusive scope of this ambitious and essential challenge program from AI 2030.”
Damian Speirs, Executive Director, Boston Quantara
“The future of ethical AI depends on investing in skills and fostering inclusive innovation. Initiatives like the AI 2030 Data Challenge play a vital role in bridging the gap between visionary strategies and the talent needed to bring them to life. By connecting strategy and expertise, Boston Quantara can empower organisations to navigate the complexities of AI responsibly and effectively.”
Call to Action
Be part of the Responsible AI movement:
- Submit your proposal for the AI 2030 Data Challenge by March 1, 2025, by clicking the Submission Form.
- Nominate your organization for the AI 2030 Awards by click the Nomination Link.
- Join as a partner to help us shape and accelerate the future of Responsible AI by supporting innovation, collaboration, and global impact.
About AI 2030
AI 2030 is a global initiative committed to harnessing AI’s transformative power to benefit humanity, minimize risks, and mainstream Responsible AI by 2030, ensuring it serves society’s best interests and avoids critical challenges to global well-being. Focused on Responsible AI, AI for All, and AI for Good, we empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to lead in Responsible AI, closing key gaps in awareness, talent, and solutions to enable responsible AI adoption across public and private sectors globally.
Contacts:
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or further information, please contact:
Jielin Wang, Program Manager, AI 2030
Email: info@ai2030.org
FAQs for AI 2030 Data Challenge and Awards
General Questions
- Who can participate in the AI 2030 Data Challenge?
The Data Challenge is open to startups, research teams, professionals, students, and organizations globally with expertise in AI, data science, or sustainability. - What are the submission requirements for the Data Challenge?
Participants must submit:- A detailed project proposal addressing one or more focus areas.
- A prototype or proof of concept demonstrating feasibility and impact.
- A description of scalability and alignment with AI 2030 goals.
- What are the focus areas of the Data Challenge?
- Enhancing data diversity and inclusivity.
- Improving explainability and traceability of AI systems.
- Reducing AI’s environmental footprint.
- Upskilling the workforce for Responsible AI leadership.
- What are the benefits for Data Challenge participants?
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- Access to curated datasets and cloud computing resources.
- Mentorship from leading AI experts.
- Opportunities to showcase solutions at global events like convening held during the G20 Summit and COP30 weeks.
Awards Program
5. What are the categories for the AI 2030 Awards?
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- AI 2030 Research Excellence Award
- Pioneers in Responsible AI Implementation Award
- Excellence in Responsible AI Innovation Award
- AI Talent Development Leadership Award
- Stewardship in AI Governance Award
6. Who can nominate for the AI 2030 Awards?
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- Any organization, startup, or institution demonstrating excellence in Responsible AI can apply. Self-nominations are allowed.
- 7. What are the benefits for award winners?7. What are the benefits for award winners?
7. What are the benefits for award winners?
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- Recognition at global events like the Chicago AI Week.
- Exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders and policymakers.
- Membership in the AI 2030 Global Fellowship program and access to the Certified Responsible AI Leaders Program.
8. What is the nomination process for the AI 2030 Awards?
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- Submit your nomination through the Nomination Link. Applications will be reviewed during two evaluation cycles.
Timeline and Events
9. What is the timeline for the AI 2030 Data Challenge?
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- Launch: January 20, 2025 (Davos, World Economic Forum).
- Submission Deadline: March 1, 2025.
- In-person Hackathon Award: March 27, 2025 (NY AI Week).
- Winners Announced: June 16-20, 2025 (Chicago AI Week).
10. What are the key dates for the AI 2030 Awards?
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- Nomination Period 1: January 22- March 22, 2025.
- Nomination Period 2: March 30, 2024 – June 6, 2025.
- Award Ceremonies: September 24, 2025
11. What is the Global Recognition Tour?
Winning teams and awardees will showcase their work at major events held during:
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- World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meeting (October 2025, Washington, DC).
- G20 Summit (November 2025, South Africa).
- COP30 (November 2025, Brazil).
- World Economic Forum (January 2026, Davos).
Partnerships and Resources
12. What resources are available for Data Challenge participants?
Participants gain access to:
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- Curated datasets.
- Cloud credits.
- Expert mentorship.
- Networking opportunities with policymakers and industry leaders.
13. What role do partners play in these initiatives?
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- Partners play a pivotal role in these initiatives by shaping the vision, defining key challenges, and engaging stakeholders to ensure meaningful outcomes. They contribute expertise and mentorship, serve as judges in evaluating submissions, and provide resources such as knowledge, technology tools, or curated datasets. Partners also amplify outreach and impact through their networks, participate in thought leadership by leading panels or workshops, and co-host events to extend the initiatives’ reach. Additionally, they create valuable networking opportunities for participants, connecting them with industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to maximize the long-term impact of their solutions.
Call to Action and Contact
14. How do I join the AI 2030 Data Challenge or Awards?
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- For the Data Challenge: Submit your proposal at ai2030.org by March 1, 2025.
- For the Awards: Nominate your organization through Nomination Link.
15. Who can I contact for more information?
For inquiries, contact:
Jielin Wang, Program Manager, AI 2030
Email: info@ai2030.org