Local Intelligence is a Summer 2025 Code.X program that surfaces AI research questions grounded in local realities by coupling hands-on education with direct collaboration between universities, government agencies, and community organizations.

Our Approach

Today’s AI systems are often trained in isolation from the world’s linguistic, cultural, and civic diversity. Local Intelligence equips students in emerging-economy universities to identify research questions rooted in their communities, to collect or curate data that capture local realities, assemble datasets accurately reflect local conditions, and develop methods suited to those settings. The goal is to advance AI research that addresses public needs rather than solely improving benchmark metrics.

• 2-week AI bootcamp: Hosted at a local university campus or remotely and taught by advanced PhD students and instructors from leading institutions. Exposes students to cutting-edge AI techniques and design-thinking tools, empowering them to develop novel, locally grounded methods that advance the field.

• Policy-aligned projects: Students and researchers co-design AI projects with government and NGO partners.

• Mentorship & Research Pathways: Student teams are paired with a mentor for an 8–10-week project period, ending with demos, usable tools, and (when possible) public or academic releases.

Our Local Partner

JHub Africa is an innovation hub at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), empowering students and entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop and scale their ideas. We connect innovators with resources, mentorship, and funding to turn visions into reality.

Past & Present Program Sponsors