Intel Commits $50M In Tech Funding To ‘Combat’ Coronavirus Posted on : Apr 07 - 2020

'Intel is committed to accelerating access to technology that can combat the current pandemic and enable new technology and scientific discovery that better prepares society for future crises,' Intel CEO Bob Swan says.

Intel is pledging an additional $50 million to coronavirus relief efforts, but this time, the company is focusing its financial resources on using technology to improve the COVID-19 response as well as online learning for underserved communities.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company announced on Tuesday that it is committing roughly $40 million to fund two efforts – the Intel COVID-19 Response and Readiness and Online Learning initiatives – and allocating an additional $10 million for partner- and employee-led relief projects.

“The world faces an enormous challenge in fighting COVID-19. Intel is committed to accelerating access to technology that can combat the current pandemic and enable new technology and scientific discovery that better prepares society for future crises,” Intel CEO Bob Swan said in a statement. “We hope that by sharing our expertise, resources and technology, we can help to accelerate work that saves lives and expands access to critical services around the world during this challenging time.”

The new funds were announced after Intel said it would donate $1 million to the International Red Cross, $4 million to local relief efforts and another $2 million to match employee donations to food banks, school districts and children’s hospitals over the past few weeks. The company is also donating 1 million pieces of personal protective equipment to healthcare workers.

For the part of the roughly $40 million that will support the Intel COVID-19 Response and Readiness initiatives, the company said it will provide funding to accelerate partner and customer deployments of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and edge-to-cloud service delivery for diagnosis, treatment and vaccine development for the coronavirus.

Intel said it will also support healthcare and life sciences manufacturers in their efforts to “increase the availability of technology and solutions used by hospitals to diagnose and treat COVID-19.” The company is also looking to form industry alliances that improve the global capacity and capability for diagnosing and treating the virus in addition to supporting polices that improve future pandemic responses.

On the education side, the company said the Intel Online Learning Initiative will use funds to support education-focused nonprofit organizations and business partners to provide devices and online learning resources to students who have not had access to such technology. View More