Harvard’s AI Research Fund: A Game-Changer for Developing Nations?
Harvard University has opened applications for the Global Empowerment Meeting (GEM) Incubation Fund 2025, a grant initiative designed to support groundbreaking research tackling urgent development challenges. With a focus on artificial intelligence and its transformative role in emerging economies, this year’s call for proposals could set the stage for innovations that reshape sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and governance across the Global South.
Backed by the World Bank South Asia Digital team and a philanthropic gift from Christina Bai-Chen, the fund builds on conversations from GEM25, where experts debated how AI can accelerate inclusive growth and sustainable development in developing economies.
Key Information for Applicants
The fund is particularly interested in projects with direct impact in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, though applications addressing other developing regions are welcome.
Grant Details
- Funding type: Incubation and seed grants for preliminary research (background studies, data collection, travel, and research assistants).
- Grant size: Average of $20,000; smaller high-value projects will also be considered.
- Project duration: 6–12 months.
- Exclusions: Tuition, faculty salaries, or stipends. Indirect costs capped at 20%.
Eligibility
- Open to faculty with PI (Principal Investigator) rights at their universities.
- Priority given to applicants who attended GEM25 and to proposals that foster collaboration between academics and practitioners.
- Projects must be ready to launch immediately with institutional and practitioner buy-in.
- Each faculty member may submit only one application per round.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the CID’s Online Application Portal and should include:
- Applicant details.
- Two-page PDF CVs for all PIs and Co-PIs.
- A project summary.
- Policy problem and motivation.
- Research contributions.
- Methodology and design.
- Project viability and risks.
- Timeline.
- Budget and budget narrative (template available online).
- Institutional support letter (required for external applicants).
- Optional support letters from policy partners or collaborators.
Deadline for submission: September 19, 2025.
For additional details, applicants can visit the GEM Incubation Fund website or contact the organizers directly at gem@hks.harvard.edu.
