Change-minded investors have been slow to back solutions to overcome barriers to higher education in the US, despite soaring student debt and race- and income-based disparities in attaining degrees.
The Algorithm for Change competition, hosted by NYU and Techstars, is offering $1.5 million to startups using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual and augmented reality to improve access and achievement for low income, minority and first-generation students.
The Gates Foundation is backing the competition, which is open to for-profits, nonprofits and governmental organizations.
