The RAAIS Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The RAAIS Foundation is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1181904) dedicated to advancing education and research in artificial intelligence for the common good.
The Foundation supports open-source AI research, awards grants for projects with the potential to create positive real-world impact, and makes AI knowledge more accessible through educational initiatives.
It also organises the annual Research and Applied AI Summit (RAAIS) in London, bringing together AI researchers, entrepreneurs and practitioners to support its charitable mission.
About The RAAIS Foundation
What is The RAAIS Foundation?
The RAAIS Foundation is a UK-registered charity focused on advancing education and research in artificial intelligence for the common good.
The Foundation supports open-source AI research projects, provides financial grants and creates educational content to improve public understanding of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
Its work aims to ensure that advances in AI research can benefit communities and individuals beyond purely commercial applications.
What is the mission of The RAAIS Foundation?
The mission of The RAAIS Foundation is to advance education and research in artificial intelligence for the common good.
The Foundation believes that the real-world impact of AI should extend beyond for-profit applications. It supports research, educational initiatives and projects that can make AI knowledge and technological progress more accessible to society.
Is The RAAIS Foundation a registered charity?
Yes. The RAAIS Foundation is a UK-registered charity with charity registration number 1181904.
Its charitable mission is to advance education and research in artificial intelligence for the common good.
What does The RAAIS Foundation do?
The RAAIS Foundation supports artificial intelligence education and research through several activities.
It awards grants for open-source AI research and projects, creates educational content to improve public understanding of AI, and organises the annual Research and Applied AI Summit in London.
The Foundation places particular emphasis on supporting communities and individuals who may otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in advancing AI.
Why does The RAAIS Foundation support open-source AI?
The RAAIS Foundation supports open-source artificial intelligence research because it can make technological knowledge, research tools and AI capabilities more accessible to researchers, developers and communities.
Open research can encourage collaboration, support educational opportunities and enable people outside major commercial AI laboratories to contribute to technological advances.
Supporting these opportunities aligns with the Foundation's mission to advance artificial intelligence for the common good.
AI research grants and funding
Does The RAAIS Foundation offer grants for AI research?
Yes. The RAAIS Foundation provides financial grants for open-source AI research and projects worldwide.
Funding is directed towards projects selected for their potential to advance education, research and the common good.
The Foundation particularly aims to support individuals and communities who might not otherwise have opportunities to participate in advancing artificial intelligence.
Learn more on the RAAIS Foundation grants page.
Who can apply for an AI research grant from The RAAIS Foundation?
The RAAIS Foundation welcomes grant applications for open-source artificial intelligence research and projects with the potential to advance education, research and the common good.
The grant programme places particular emphasis on enabling participation by individuals and communities that may face barriers to contributing to AI research.
Prospective applicants can submit a proposal through the application form on the Foundation's grants page.
Does The RAAIS Foundation fund international AI projects?
Yes. The RAAIS Foundation supports open-source AI research and projects worldwide.
Its grants are not restricted to UK-based research. The Foundation seeks to support promising work with educational, scientific and societal benefits, particularly where funding can help broaden participation in AI research.
What kinds of AI projects does The RAAIS Foundation fund?
The RAAIS Foundation supports open-source artificial intelligence research and projects that can generate positive scientific, educational or societal impact.
Examples of previously supported initiatives include privacy-preserving AI technology through OpenMined and AI-related open-science work addressing climate change through Open Climate Fix.
How long do RAAIS Foundation research grants last?
The RAAIS Foundation's grant programme supports projects made on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applicants should consult the official grants page for programme details and the application form.
How can I apply for funding from The RAAIS Foundation?
Researchers and project teams interested in funding can apply through the online form on raais.org/grants.
Applicants should explain their proposed open-source AI research or project, its objectives and how it can contribute to education, research or the common good.
Funded projects and charitable impact
What AI projects has The RAAIS Foundation supported?
The RAAIS Foundation has supported open-source initiatives including OpenMined and Open Climate Fix.
OpenMined focuses on privacy-preserving and secure artificial intelligence technologies. Open Climate Fix applies open science and machine learning to challenges associated with climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
These examples demonstrate the Foundation's interest in AI research with practical societal benefits.
Does The RAAIS Foundation only support commercial AI startups?
No. The RAAIS Foundation's charitable funding is focused on open-source AI research and projects that advance education, research and the common good.
Its mission extends beyond commercial AI applications, with particular attention to research accessibility, public benefit and opportunities for underrepresented communities.