The Collaborative for AI in the Public Interest is a philanthropic organisation that mobilises focus and funding to help build, govern, and advance AI in the public interest. We:
Explore opportunities and leverage points to steer AI toward the public interest.
Fund initiatives that build and support alternative approaches to AI development.
Champion ideas and actions that defend and promote the public interest.
AI development and deployment is largely driven by private interests. It is built for mass distribution and operation at scale, rather than prioritising the specific public interest needs of individuals and countries.
It is largely closed and proprietary, rather than open, accessible, shareable, and usable for all and by all. It concentrates wealth and consolidates the power of a small group of companies and interests. AI is currently defined by competition between states and between companies, rather than collaboration.
This can feel inevitable. It is not.
How we work
Early warning signals
Drawing attention to emerging issues critical to ensuring that the public interest is at the heart of new technologies.
Windows of opportunity
Seeking the pivotal places and moments that lead to futures where AI serves the public interest.
Scale-up
Bridge-building for multi-country, multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Insights and updates
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Lack of infrastructure for public interest AI
The Collaborative 16 Jul 2026 -
Opportunities and threats within the AI supply chain
The Collaborative 16 Jul 2026 -
Weak public interest demand for AI
The Collaborative 16 Jul 2026
FAQs
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AI should be driven by outcomes that matter to people. Those outcomes should be decided on democratically.
We believe strongly in collaboration and seek out partners rather than going it alone.
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We share examples of our work on our website.
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You can read more about our team’s experience.
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We are an independent philanthropic organisation, part of The Omidyar Group – a collection of mission-driven, independent organisations founded and funded by philanthropists Pierre and Pam Omidyar.
The future of AI is collaborative
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