IBM Opens Global RFP for Impact Accelerator on AI Education
IBM has officially launched a new global request for proposals (RFP) for the next cohort of its IBM Impact Accelerator, placing a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that can transform education systems and workforce development worldwide. Through this initiative, IBM is inviting nonprofits, government organizations, and academic institutions to partner in building innovative tools that help people learn more effectively, transition into new careers, and gain access to quality job opportunities that strengthen economic resilience.
As industries evolve at record speed, the disconnect between what learners acquire in school and what employers actually need continues to grow. In fact, AI is rapidly reshaping job roles, forcing workers to upskill much faster than traditional education systems can keep pace. According to new findings from the IBM Institute for Business Value, 67% of executives believe job roles are becoming shorter-lived, while 57% expect that by 2030, most employee skills will become obsolete.
Read More: ITTech Pulse Exclusive Interview Khadim Batti, CEO and Co-Founder at Whatfix
Meanwhile, the economic consequences of unclear pathways between education and employment are significant. Pearson estimates that these slow or inefficient transitions cost the U.S. economy nearly $1.1 trillion every year. Therefore, the need for modern, AI-powered education and workforce solutions has never been more urgent.
Although millions of people are enrolling in online courses and certification programs, many education and workforce institutions still lack the infrastructure, tools, and capacity to respond quickly to labor market shifts. As a result, employers continue to face skills shortages, learners struggle to identify in-demand skills, and public agencies remain constrained by limited resources.
IBM’s Impact Accelerator aims to address these systemic challenges by supporting organizations that are rethinking how individuals learn, reskill, and connect to meaningful work in an AI-driven economy.
“Education and workforce systems are under pressure to adapt faster than ever, but many lack the tools to do so,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. “Through this global RFP, IBM is supporting organizations that use AI to close the gap between learning and work in real time while strengthening the pathways that connect education to quality jobs.”
Read More: ITTech Pulse Exclusive Interview Khadim Batti, CEO and Co-Founder at Whatfix
The upcoming cohort will prioritize projects that apply AI to teaching, learning, assessment, and workforce preparation. Potential solutions may include AI-powered teaching platforms, personalized learning assistants, and career-guidance tools that support learners throughout different life stages. Additionally, IBM is interested in data platforms that connect learners to real job opportunities, as well as simulation environments that help policymakers test responsible AI practices.
Selected organizations will receive a two-year pro bono technology and implementation grant. This includes access to IBM watsonx, Granite AI models, IBM Cloud, IBM Quantum, Red Hat open-source technologies, and guidance from IBM researchers, consultants, and designers. Strategic ally EY will also contribute expertise, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting communities facing economic and environmental stress.
Since its launch in 2022, the IBM Impact Accelerator has supported 25 organizations and benefited around 2.5 million people globally, advancing solutions across clean energy, agriculture, water management, and resilient cities.
Write to us [wasim.a@demandmediaagency.com] to learn more about our exclusive editorial packages and programmes.
