Alphabet Inc’s Google unveiled a new scholarship program on Tuesday aimed at increasing representation of underrepresented groups at major technology and business conferences, targeting students in Africa and Asia-Pacific regions.
The initiative will cover travel, accommodation, and registration fees for eligible attendees, addressing financial barriers that often exclude marginalized communities from key industry events.
Open to full-time students at recognized universities, the program requires applicants to have research papers accepted at leading conferences, with regional eligibility criteria. In Africa, students must be sole or joint first authors of accepted work, while Asia-Pacific applicants need primary authorship and presentation slots. Funds will be disbursed through universities, with reimbursement processes typically taking 5–8 weeks, Google said in a statement.
The move comes amid longstanding criticism of tech conferences for lacking diversity, particularly from low-income regions. Less than 12% of presenters at major AI conferences in 2023 hailed from Africa, according to industry surveys. Google’s scholarship aligns with broader corporate efforts to bridge gaps in tech access, though critics argue systemic issues require deeper structural reforms.
“By empowering students to share their research globally, we’re investing in a more inclusive tech ecosystem,” a Google spokesperson said, though no executives were named in the announcement. The company did not disclose funding totals but emphasized year-round rolling applications to accommodate varied conference schedules.
Analysts note the program could bolster Google’s talent pipeline while addressing equity concerns. Similar initiatives by Microsoft and Meta have faced scrutiny for limited reach, with 2022 data showing only 18% of conference scholarships awarded to African participants across top tech firms.
As tech giants face pressure to translate diversity pledges into action, Google’s scholarship reflects a pragmatic step—yet one whose impact hinges on accessibility. For students in regions with sparse academic funding, the opportunity to network and present research could prove transformative, provided bureaucratic hurdles don’t dampen participation.
The initiative avoids mention of geopolitical restrictions, though applicants from embargoed countries are ineligible. For now, the focus remains on inclusivity—a balancing act between corporate responsibility and the complex realities of global tech equity.
