Google.org Grants US$1 Million to Boost Wits MIND Institute
The Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has secured a US$1 million core funding award from Google.org. This investment aims to accelerate research and innovation in both natural and artificial intelligence.
Grant and Award Details
Under the leadership of Professor Benjamin Rosman—recently recognized in TIME magazine’s TIME100 AI 2025 list—the Wits MIND Institute hosts some of Africa’s foremost AI researchers. The funding will enhance the Institute’s capacity-building initiatives and foster collaboration across disciplines, including academia, industry, and policymakers. Google.org’s support reflects its commitment to accelerating scientific discovery through partnerships that generate tangible societal benefits.
Rapid Growth of a Young Institute
Since its establishment in November 2024, building on over a decade of Wits’ postgraduate education and pan-African AI initiatives, the MIND Institute has quickly become a hub for fundamental AI research and thought leadership. It recently welcomed its first cohort of 34 MIND Fellows, comprising research Chairs and National Research Foundation-rated researchers from multiple faculties and departments. This diverse group is actively collaborating on more than 25 projects, spanning reinforcement learning to digital humanities.
The MINDFund supports innovative research by providing targeted capacity development and seed funding, currently backing five projects. According to Professor Rosman, the funding strengthens the Institute’s mission to train talent, incubate new ideas, and translate discoveries into societal impact.
Driving AI Development Across Africa
The Wits MIND Institute is committed to developing AI models and policies that reflect the continent’s cultural and social diversity, representing over a billion people. This approach ensures Africa’s active participation in global AI discourse. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor at Wits University, highlighted the Institute as a key player in positioning South Africa and Africa at the forefront of technological advancement, citing Wits’ historic contributions from early computing to radar technology.
Get Involved with the Wits MIND Institute
Researchers and stakeholders interested in contributing to or learning from the Institute’s work can join its growing ecosystem. Stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities by signing up for updates. Applications for the next cohort of MIND Fellows will open in September 2025.
About the Wits MIND Institute
The Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute is an interdisciplinary AI research center based at the University of the Witwatersrand. It focuses on advancing scientific knowledge of both natural and artificial intelligence, fostering innovation, and building AI expertise across Africa. The Institute’s approach encourages collaboration across disciplines to generate impactful research and policy development.
Its core programs concentrate on three strategic areas:
- Fundamental science of AI
- Applications in society and industry
- African AI governance and leadership
This focus supports the development of research capacity and talent that can contribute to systemic, sustainable impact at local and global levels.
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