Apply Now: AI Opportunity Fund – Asia-Pacific (Phase 2) for Worker and MSME Empowerment (Funding + Training Support)

The AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, supported by AVPN, Google.org, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is now accepting expressions of curiosity for its Phase 2 initiative. The fund provides monetary and technical help to organisations dedicated to coaching employees and supporting MSMEs in adapting to the way forward for work formed by synthetic intelligence.

Overview

The AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific is a regional funding initiative designed to help employees and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) which can be most impacted by workforce transitions pushed by AI. Led by AVPN with help from Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the fund empowers nonprofits, civic establishments, social enterprises, labour unions, and different mission-driven organisations throughout Asia-Pacific to ship foundational AI coaching and construct digital resilience.

Following a profitable Phase 1, which onboarded 10 strategic companions and supported 49 native coaching suppliers, Phase 2 expands the influence with a further USD 10 million in funding. This spherical goals to coach 720,000 employees and help 100,000 MSMEs throughout the area.

Organisations thinking about making use of should first submit an Expression of Interest by 2 July 2025.

What the Fund Offers

Organisations chosen for the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific will obtain:

• Funding help for venture implementation

• Access to localised and contextualised coaching supplies based mostly on Google’s foundational AI curriculum

• Networking alternatives with strategic companions, coaching suppliers, and different grantees

• Collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation for organisations supporting MSMEs

• Visibility and recognition throughout AVPN, Google.org, and ADB networks

This initiative is very related for organisations in agriculture, training, healthcare, and different sectors deeply affected by technological shifts.

Timeline (Phase 2)

• Expression of Interest Open: 27 May 2025

• Information Session 1: 10 June 2025, 2:00–3:00 PM SGT

• Information Session 2: 19 June 2025, 2:00–3:00 PM SGT

• Expression of Interest Closes: 2 July 2025

• Notification of Selection: December 2025

• Program Start: January 2026

Shortlisted candidates can be invited to submit a full application throughout the second half of 2025.

Who Should Apply

The fund invites purposes from a broad vary of Asia-Pacific-based organisations that serve employees and MSMEs. Eligible entities embody:

Applicants should show:

• A confirmed monitor document of supporting employees

• The capability to ship coaching applications successfully

• A dedication to inclusivity, influence, and sustainability

For-profit entities with out a social influence mission are not eligible for this chance.

Geographic Scope

The fund is open to organisations registered and working within the Asia-Pacific area. Applications from outdoors this area usually are not eligible.

Organisations might accomplice with others for venture implementation, however solely one lead organisation can apply. Each organisation is allowed to submit just one application.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications can be assessed by a Grant Committee based mostly on the next:

• Organisational monitor document and capability

• Feasibility and scalability of the proposed coaching program

• Impact and attain of the initiative

• Alignment with fund targets (AI-readiness, digital inclusion, MSME empowerment)

Language flexibility is obtainable, with translated variations of the application obtainable. Submissions in English are inspired when doable.

Applicants can be required to supply proof of authorized registration (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, Tax Identification Number, NGO registration certificates).

How to Apply

1. Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by 2 July 2025

2. Attend an data session to be taught extra:

   • 10 June 2025, 2:00 PM SGT

   • 19 June 2025, 2:00 PM SGT

Organisations shortlisted from the EOI stage can be invited to submit a full application between July and December 2025.

If your organisation particularly helps MSMEs, contact the ASEAN Foundation on to discover tailor-made alternatives inside the fund.

For extra data, visit the official website.

Why Apply

The future of labor in Asia-Pacific is altering quickly, and the AI Opportunity Fund empowers mission-driven organisations to steer this transformation. By collaborating, you may:

• Help employees and MSMEs put together for AI-driven modifications

• Strengthen your organisation’s capability with coaching and funding

• Build lasting partnerships with regional tech and improvement leaders

• Create scalable, inclusive, and impactful digital coaching applications

If your organisation is able to play a number one position in shaping a extra inclusive digital financial system, that is your likelihood.

For extra world youth and innovation alternatives, go to the Opportunities for Youth web site.