New Delhi, May 05, 2026: AVPN has announced the expansion of its AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific with an additional USD 10 million contribution from Google.org, aimed at advancing AI literacy among educators, youth, workers, and MSMEs across the region.
The expanded programme will focus on enabling the practical application of AI skills across classrooms, workplaces, and enterprises. It positions AI as a foundational literacy, with efforts directed toward integrating AI learning into education systems and business operations.
“Asia is at an inflection point where AI is rapidly becoming a foundational literacy, and we have a window of opportunity to get ahead of the curve. With the AI Opportunity Fund, we are equipping the people who will shape that future every day: the teachers in our classrooms, the young people about to enter the workforce, and the MSMEs that keep our economies moving. We partner with those who will shape this future so that AI becomes a trusted part of how our region learns, works, and does business. Our ambition is clear: to help build AI-ready generations and AI-ready enterprises across Asia, so communities can harness AI for innovation and inclusive growth in the years to come,” said Naina Subberwal Batra, Chief Executive Officer of AVPN.
As part of the next phase, the Fund aims to benefit over 4.7 million individuals in the education sector by strengthening AI capabilities among educators and integrating AI tools into learning environments.
“Educators sit at the heart of this next phase,” said Sanjay Gupta, President, Google Asia Pacific. “When teachers are empowered to use AI in thoughtful, responsible ways, they not only transform their own practice, but also unlock opportunity for every learner who passes through their classroom.”
The initiative will also introduce a targeted AI skilling programme for creators and continue to support workers and small businesses in adopting AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, and market access.
Additionally, AVPN will expand collaboration with regional organisations such as the ASEAN Foundation and align with initiatives like AI Ready ASEAN to strengthen policy engagement and local adaptation of AI training programmes.
“Scaling AI literacy in a thoughtful, inclusive way is now central to Asia-Pacific’s long-term growth story. By focusing on educators, youth, workers, and MSMEs, the AI Opportunity Fund is ensuring that AI literacy turns into practical skills in classrooms, offices, and businesses. This is exactly the kind of partnership that can strengthen human capital, support innovation, and ensure that the benefits of AI are widely shared across the region,” said Antonio Zaballos, Director, Digital Sector Office, Asian Development Bank.
By 2030, the programme is expected to reach nearly 5.5 million people across Asia-Pacific, supporting broader efforts to build AI-ready ecosystems and promote inclusive growth.
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