About This Phase

Organization at this phase are aspiring to implement AI in their work, and are actively exploring how to make it a reality.

You may be asking questions like:

• Our organization embraces tech, but we don’t yet feel AI fluent. How do we build up our muscle for data and AI?
• We have some ideas for how to use AI to advance our impact, but how do we move forward while ensuring they’re truly rooted in user needs?
• We have an idea for what we want to do, but aren’t sure if we have the right data, enough data, or quality enough data?
• We’ve narrowed down to a specific solution, but don’t know if we’re planning appropriately. What do we need to be thinking about?

Modules

We think of Exploration as encompassing the following steps. Depending on where your organization is coming in at, you may want to start at the very beginning with Problem Definition!

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Problem Definition

How can we ensure that we're pursuing solutions that are deeply rooted in the problem at hand, taking a people-first rather than a tech-first approach?

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Build Vs. Buy

How do we navigate the decision to build something custom vs. leverage an off-the-shelf solution?

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Data Readiness

How do we think about the data we have or still need, the quality of that data, and the infrastructure required to support a safe and successful implementation?

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AI Project Planning

From budgeting to building the right team to assessing potential risks, how do we go about planning an AI project?

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Funding AI Innovation

With an impactful solution in mind and an AI project plan in hand, how do we craft a strong grant proposal to secure the necessary funding?

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Get Inspired

Hear from some of PJMF’s grant partners — Nexleaf Analytics, Upsolve, and myAgro — to learn how other organizations have navigated the Exploration phase.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ojuzspm050

Exploration Resources

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Other AI Journey Phases

<aside> <img src="/icons/thought-dialogue_gray.svg" alt="/icons/thought-dialogue_gray.svg" width="40px" /> 1. CURIOSITY

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<aside> <img src="/icons/departures_gray.svg" alt="/icons/departures_gray.svg" width="40px" /> 3. ADOPTION

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<aside> <img src="/icons/chart-line_gray.svg" alt="/icons/chart-line_gray.svg" width="40px" /> 4. IMPACT

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About PJMF

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private, and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access, and data maturity in the social sector.