DOHA, Qatar, February 04, 2026 — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the opening of a global request for proposals (RFP) for the next cohort of the IBM Impact Accelerator, focused on AI for transformative education and workforce development. The initiative invites nonprofit and government organizations, including academic institutions, to co-develop AI-powered solutions that help people learn more effectively, navigate career transitions and access jobs needed to build economic resilience.

The announcement took place at Web Summit Qatar and is open to eligible organizations globally, including in Qatar.

The new cohort will support work that applies AI to systemic challenges in teaching, learning and workforce preparation. Potential projects may include AI-enabled teaching and assessment tools, as well as personalized learning and career guidance assistants that support learners at different stages. Areas of focus may span data platforms that connect learners to real opportunities and simulation or governance environments that help educators and policymakers test and refine responsible AI practices, including forecasting education needs.

“Education and workforce systems are under pressure to adapt faster than ever, but many lack the tools to do so,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, IBM. “Through this global RFP, IBM is supporting organizations that use AI to close the gap between learning and work in real time and strengthen the pathways that connect education to quality jobs.”

“Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 places strong emphasis on building a vibrant innovation and startup ecosystem, underpinned by future-ready skills and agile talent development,” said Eman Alkuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). “IBM’s Impact Accelerator provides an important platform for startups, academic institutions, and innovators in Qatar to co-develop and pilot responsible AI solutions that strengthen education, accelerate workforce readiness, and create scalable pathways from learning to employment.”

Selected organizations will receive a two-year, pro bono collaboration with IBM, including access to IBM watsonx, Granite AI models, IBM Cloud, IBM Quantum, Red Hat open-source technologies, as well as support from IBM’s ecosystem of researchers, designers and consultants. The cohort will also benefit from the participation of strategic partner EY, which shares IBM’s commitment to advancing AI-powered solutions for environmentally and economically stressed communities.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government entities and government-owned enterprises, as well as non-profit public or private colleges and universities. Applicants must be able to engage with IBM for a two-year period and conduct project work in English.

The RFP is now open. Proposals must be submitted through the IBM Proposal Submission Portal by March 25, 2026. Full eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions and application guidelines are available on the IBM Impact Accelerator Education and Workforce RFP webpage. Questions may be directed to impact.accelerator@ibm.com.

In 2024, IBM announced a commitment of up to $45 million over five years in cash and in-kind technology and services for the IBM Impact Accelerator to support populations facing environmental and economic challenges around the world. Including the most recent supply chain modernization cohort, the program has supported 25 organizations to date, with projects directly benefiting approximately 2.5 million people globally.

About the IBM Impact Accelerator
Launched in 2022, the IBM Impact Accelerator is a social innovation program that supports communities facing environmental and economic stress through technologies such as AI, hybrid cloud and an ecosystem of experts. Each year, the program selects new projects to develop and scale technology and AI solutions across areas including education and workforce development, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, water management, resilient cities and supply chains. For more information, visit: https://www.ibm.com/responsibility/programs/ibm-impact-accelerator