Finnish startup collaborates with Google and INCO for a pan-European program, training 600 social entrepreneurs in AI skills

June 12, 2024

23 2 minutes read

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MinnaLearn, a Helsinki-based learning company, partners with INCO and Google.org to launch the pan-European AI Tides program, aiming to train 600 social entrepreneurs across Europe in AI skills. The program, based on MinnaLearn’s Elements of AI course, seeks to democratize AI knowledge and empower social entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. With hands-on experience and a focus on practical applications, participants will develop validated business prototypes that leverage AI to address societal challenges. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating technology with social entrepreneurship, supported by a network of organizations across 14 European countries, and is free for all participants.

Social entrepreneurship is critical in addressing major global issues, ranging from healthcare and education to environmental sustainability. Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, is crucial in building and scaling these businesses and maximizing their societal contributions. According to the World Economic Forum, the main obstacles to using AI for social entrepreneurship are the lack of technical skills and a trust gap. The use of AI in social entrepreneurship also holds substantial potential for economic impact. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the social economy accounts for 7% of global GDP. Generative AI could add between $182 billion and $308 billion annually to the sector.

“AI skills are crucial for social entrepreneurs aiming to scale their impactful businesses. Often, they lack access to the necessary tools and training. Through AI Tides, we aim to democratize access to AI skills and help social entrepreneurs maximize their impact. This initiative is the first of its scale to help social entrepreneurs gain access to AI knowledge,” says Ville Valtonen, co-founder and CEO of MinnaLearn.

AI Tides will train nearly 600 social entrepreneurs in 14 European countries. The program is based on MinnaLearn’s popular Elements of AI course which has attracted over 1.3 million participants worldwide. The AI Tides course uses the Elements of AI curriculum, which is developed in collaboration with the University of Helsinki. The curriculum focuses on easy-to-understand information and practical examples of artificial intelligence. The program employs MinnaLearn’s unique train-the-trainer and peer learning models.

In the program, participating teams and entrepreneurs gain a fundamental understanding of AI through hands-on experience, applying AI tools to their work. Upon completion, they have validated business prototypes that utilize AI to address their specific challenges.

“This approach ensures that participants not only gain fundamental skills and understanding of AI but also graduate with business prototypes that can be further developed to increase impact in their local communities,” Valtonen tells.

AI Tides is created and run in collaboration with INCO and it is supported by Google.org. INCO will strengthen community ties within the program by providing additional training and support to the participants, organizing engagement activities, and ensuring the impactful delivery of the Elements of AI course. This program is free for all participants.

“This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge technology with social entrepreneurship, fostering innovation that is both socially responsible and technologically advanced. By supporting the energy, ideas, and dedication of social entrepreneurs, we believe that AI can contribute positively to our shared humanity instead of diminishing it,” says Amalia Spyratou, INCO Academy Director.

“We are excited and honored to have gotten the support from leading international organizations. This highlights our pioneering efforts in the AI education space,” Valtonen concludes.

Organizations participating in AI Tides: