Leveraging Technology to Provide Global Pandemic Relief

The leader of Intel’s Pandemic Response Technology Initiative reflects on the past year and the company’s plans to address the impact of COVID-19. The initiative provides a 360-degree view of the challenges ahead, focusing on how Intel technologies can enhance healthcare, education, and the economic recovery of businesses at multiple levels.

Image credit: Intel

One year ago, Intel launched the Pandemic Response Technology Initiative (PRTI), a $50 million commitment to use technology to combat the effects of COVID-19. The Initiative sought to provide a 360-degree view of the challenges ahead, focusing on how Intel technologies can enhance healthcare, education and the economic recovery of businesses at multiple levels.

The goals were to provide immediate relief where it was needed most, develop innovative solutions to support the new normal and invest in technology that would limit the impact of future crises. Nearly every piece of Intel® technology was leveraged in some way.

Twelve months later, the scope of PRTI work includes 230 projects spread across 170 organizations. Intel has partnered with organizations around the world to apply solutions and expertise to geographically unique problems as well as global challenges, and Intel doesn’t want to stop.

Aligned with Intel’s RISE 2030 goals, it is transitioning this process and the technical expertise of its employee volunteers to the Intel RISE Technology Initiative (IRTI). The IRTI will continue to review and fund projects related to healthcare, education and the economy with new dedicated workstreams for social equity and human rights, accessibility, and climate action.

IRTI will create a broader, purpose-driven platform for action with a new $20 million commitment. Intel is excited to share more about those projects throughout the year. For now, Intel’s work with the PRTI offers a glimpse at what can be achieved through technology, strategic partnerships and a collective desire to do good.