**Exploring Collaboration Opportunities for AI 411** AI 411 is envisioned as a globally accessible, AI-powered information service delivered via SMS, with blockchain technology leveraged to ensure security, transparency, and data integrity. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to democratize access to vital information—particularly for underserved communities—by providing personalized, secure, and reliable services that empower individuals through education, health information, and emergency support. Information is seen as a fundamental public utility, akin to electricity or water – essential for societal well-being. What sets AI 411 apart is its commitment to decentralization and robustness, especially when contrasted with centralized approaches adopted by major tech companies. While tech giants are integrating AI into their messaging platforms, these efforts often remain centralized, controlled by profit-driven corporations, and limited to users within their ecosystems. In contrast, AI 411 is designed as a public good, ensuring that no single entity can monopolize, censor, or control access to critical information – upholding principles of data sovereignty and freedom of information. By leveraging existing telecommunications infrastructure—such as the SMS network—and combining it with blockchain’s tamper-proof architecture, reliance on proprietary systems or internet connectivity is avoided. This approach ensures truly universal accessibility across diverse geographical contexts while safeguarding against issues like censorship, data manipulation, and corporate control. It is a bold vision because it aims to distribute the power of AI and knowledge synthesis away from large, often US-based, tech firms and place it directly in the hands of communities worldwide, promoting a more equitable and decentralized information landscape. While the vision is bold and global in scope, the importance of starting with practical, demonstrable steps and building credibility incrementally is recognized. To that end, the exploration of a small-scale proof of concept (PoC) is proposed, focusing on a specific sector or region where AI 411 could make an immediate impact. For example, consideration could be given to: **Education**: Partnering with educational organizations to distribute learning materials, literacy programs, or language learning resources in local languages, particularly in regions facing educational disparities. **Health**: Collaborating with health organizations to deliver timely health advisories, emergency alerts, or information during crises such as pandemics or natural disasters. **Rural Development**: Bridging the digital divide by providing essential information to rural areas with limited internet access but high mobile phone penetration, supporting initiatives like agricultural guidance, local governance updates, or disaster preparedness. The goal of this pilot would be twofold: **Demonstrate Feasibility**: Show how AI 411 can address real-world challenges and deliver tangible value to communities. Success could be measured through metrics such as user engagement rates, satisfaction surveys, and feedback from partner organizations. **Build Credibility**: Establish a track record that will help attract larger partners, including telecommunications companies and international organizations, who have the infrastructure and global reach to scale the initiative further. Regarding funding and sustainability, the importance of securing resources from the outset is understood. AI 411 is designed as a public good, prioritizing accessibility and societal impact over profit. To ensure its development and long-term viability, grants, partnerships, and other funding mechanisms are actively being pursued. If insights into relevant funding programs—or connections to potential sponsors—are available, guidance and collaboration in securing resources for this initial pilot phase would be welcomed.