Applications for the program are now closed.
Benita Davis, 2025 Alumna
Empowering community leaders to harness AI and technology—turning local expertise into scalable solutions that strengthen data center communities from the inside out.
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The Fellowship Offers
The Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program designed for the most promising community leaders leveraging AI to scale inclusive, local solutions in Google Data Center Communities. Fellows receive entrepreneurship training with embedded AI skills development, committed mentorship from practitioners with deep technical expertise, integration of Google’s AI products and resources, financial tools, access to a global network, and long-term Alumni support. Fellows not only scale their own local solutions but multiply their impact by training other local leaders through community-led Basecamps—deepening their impact across their Data Center Communities.
Leadership & AI Skills Training Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and AI skills training. This training will be led by expert practitioners who have experience developing and implementing solutions to their own community challenges.
Financial Tools & Resources
Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.
Pitch Training & Virtual Summit
Master the art of compelling storytelling through dedicated pitch coaching. Present your local solution’s growth and community impact to an audience of entrepreneurs, potential investors, corporate partners, and leaders at Summit, a live pitching and networking event.
Experts You Will Learn From
We recruit thought leaders and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate workshops, and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from previous cohorts include:
Jenn Turliuk
AI | MIT | Harvard
Drew Popple
Principal, Arquin | Designing the operating models behind AI-driven Organizations
Christina Huang
Global Learning & Development, AI & Data @ Mastercard | World Economic Forum Global Shaper | Learning Analytics | Computational Design
Alumni Impact by the Numbers
$41.5M
Capital Raised
1,316
Jobs Created
8,250
Individuals Supported to Advance Career Pathways
5,559
People Trained in AI Skills
Don’t take our word for it, hear theirs!
Meet The Alumni
Joel is solving the challenge of expanding access to equitable disaster recovery for underserved communities during natural disasters in his Data Center Community of Austell, Georgia. RapidReliefAI uses AI-powered technology, satellite imaging, and drones to deliver real-time damage assessments in the critical first 72 hours following natural disasters, enabling faster resource allocation for government agencies, insurers, and relief organizations. The platform has interviewed 100+ stakeholders, developed a prototype showing 70% improvement in assessment speed, and earned recognition through competitions including HBCU Founders Initiative and Black Ambition Prize Pre-Accelerator.
Emily is solving the challenge of accelerating economic impact through improved knowledge exchange reporting for universities and research institutions in her Data Center Community of Waltham Cross, United Kingdom. KEVRI AI is revolutionizing how universities and research institutions track, measure, and report their knowledge exchange and societal impact. By leveraging AI, KEVRI enables researchers to log their real-world activities in minutes, access data insights, and generate reports aligned with funders’ frameworks, helping institutions showcase their societal value more effectively. Already adopted by institutions like the University of Hertfordshire and Falmouth University, KEVRI has raised $195,000, generated $55,000 in annual recurring revenue, created 3 jobs, and won the 2023 Times Higher Education Digital Universities UK start-up competition.
Taif is solving the challenge of expanding access to equitable immigration solutions for immigrant communities and organizations in his Data Center Community of Loudoun County, Virginia. Zigura helps organizations, businesses, and government agencies tackle the world’s most complex immigration challenges. Founded by Taif Jany – a former refugee and nationally recognized immigration expert – Zigura blends lived experience with professional expertise to streamline systems, shape policy, and empower immigrant communities. From advising on refugee resettlement to building capacity in underserved regions, Zigura helps clients turn bold visions into action. Currently leading initiatives with USA for UNHCR and expanding across five states, Zigura is now developing an AI-powered platform to better assess immigrant community needs and scale equitable, data-driven solutions nationwide.
Google’s Support for Data Center Communities
“Google data centers are essential parts of local communities, fostering economic growth, technological advancement and efficient infrastructure — and we’re committed to supporting the communities we call home.”
Utaukwa Allen - Google’s Global Head of Economic and Community Development - Data Centers
Learn More
This program is fully funded by our generous partners at Google.
