Microsoft is no stranger to the AI biotech space, with a handful of granted patents spanning neurological, ophthalmic, and musculoskeletal medicines. Now the company wants to dive deeper.

This week, Microsoft announced a $40 million AI initiative aimed at research on global health challenges called AI for Health. The program will equip academia and non-profit research groups in their efforts to develop diagnostics, treatments, and preventative measures, specifically in health for under-served populations.

Previously, Microsoft entered a partnership with Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis to equip all of their associates with AI tools. Now, the Novartis foundation, along with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children's Research Institute, PATH, Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems and the international development organization BRAC are among the first grantees of AI for Health.