Commentary: AI philanthropy could unlock high-impact innovation that markets won’t touch

In a commentary published by the Center for Global Development, Leah R. Rosenzweig–director of CDG’s market shaping accelerator–argues that the AI boom could generate $37 billion to $100 billion in annual philanthropic spending, creating an opportunity to finance innovations markets are unlikely or unwilling to deliver. She proposes “pull” mechanisms, including prizes and advance market commitments, that pay only when defined breakthroughs succeed. A proposed pipeline includes $10 billion to $12 billion in commitments for pandemic preparedness, global health, drug repurposing and climate technologies. Rosenzweig also calls for a permanent institution to administer future mechanisms and accelerate high-impact innovation.