AWS pledges US$100 million in technology credits for health projects
The five-year initiative will offer AI and cloud computing credits to organizations serving underserved communities worldwide.
Amazon Web Services has committed US$100 million in credits for health projects through its new AWS Health Impact Initiative. The five-year program targets underserved communities worldwide, providing access to technology rather than cash.
Eligible applicants include charities, government agencies, researchers and companies, with projects ranging from prototypes to fully operating services. Recipients can use the credits for AWS cloud computing, AI tools and AI agents.
Awards will reflect applicants’ estimated costs, with up to US$10,000 available to get projects started. Credits are valid for 12 months, with extensions available to 24 months.
AWS said the initiative is intended to prevent wider health inequalities as AI adoption expands. Dr. Rowland Illing, AWS’s chief medical officer and director, Healthcare and Life Sciences, said organizations serving communities with the greatest needs often lack the knowledge required to access and deploy the technology.
The program accepts a range of health projects but prioritizes expanding care access, research on women’s and children’s health, and access to nutritious food. Its care-access focus includes rural communities and low- and middle-income countries. AWS said women’s health receives only 5% of health research funding.
An earlier AWS program, the Health Equity Initiative, began in 2021 and distributed US$60 million in credits among more than 400 organizations. AWS says its support since then has reached more than 600 health groups across over 80 countries.
