IBM Launches Global Search for AI Solutions to Combat Rapidly Widening Skills Gap
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and public or private colleges and universities that can conduct project work in English.
RMN Digital Corporate Desk
New Delhi | February 8, 2026
NEW YORK — In an effort to address the accelerating disconnect between education and the modern labor market, IBM has announced a global request for proposals (RFP) for its latest IBM Impact Accelerator cohort. This initiative focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to transform education and workforce development, inviting nonprofits and government agencies to collaborate on tools that help workers navigate career transitions and build economic resilience.
The call for innovation comes at a critical time for the global economy. New research from the IBM Institute for Business Value indicates that 67% of executives believe job roles are becoming shorter-lived, and by 2030, an estimated 57% of current employee skills are expected to be obsolete. Furthermore, slow transitions between education and work are estimated to cost the U.S. economy approximately $1.1 trillion each year.
“Education and workforce systems are under pressure to adapt faster than ever,” stated Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. The program aims to support projects such as AI-enabled teaching tools, personalized career-guidance assistants, and data platforms that connect learners directly to employment opportunities. It also seeks to provide simulation environments to help policymakers test and refine responsible AI practices.
[ Also Read: OpenAI Launches Global Initiative to Future-Proof Education Systems with AI ]
Selected organizations will be awarded a two-year, pro bono technology and implementation grant. This includes access to IBM’s high-level tech stack, featuring IBM watsonx, Granite AI models, IBM Cloud, and IBM Quantum, alongside support from IBM’s network of researchers and consultants. The initiative is supported by strategic ally EY, which shares a commitment to advancing AI-powered solutions for economically and environmentally stressed communities.
The RFP remains open until March 25, 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and public or private colleges and universities that can conduct project work in English. Since its launch in 2022, the IBM Impact Accelerator has supported 25 organizations, benefiting approximately 2.5 million people in sectors ranging from sustainable agriculture to water management. This new cohort is part of IBM’s larger commitment to provide $45 million in technology and services over five years to support vulnerable populations worldwide.
