Deadline: 31 July 2025
Open to: Individuals and teams over 18 with open-source AI climate solutions for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Benefits: Travel to COP30 in Brazil, media exposure, and networking opportunities
Description
The AI for Climate Action Award 2025 is an exciting global competition that harnesses the potential of artificial intelligence to tackle climate change, with a focus on solutions for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Organized by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee, in partnership with the Climate Technology Centre and Network, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Brazil, and Enterprise Neurosystem, this award celebrates innovative, open-source AI projects that drive climate adaptation and mitigation, offering winners a chance to shine at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
This award seeks to elevate AI-driven, open-source solutions that address critical climate challenges, particularly in vulnerable regions like LDCs and SIDS. By fostering innovation and collaboration, it supports the rapid deployment of climate technologies to promote low-emission, climate-resilient development. Hosted by the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism, with support from KOICA’s expertise in sustainable development and Brazil’s leadership as COP30 host, the competition provides a global platform for innovators to showcase their work. Participants compete through three rounds—written submission, video presentation, and live pitch—culminating in the winner’s presentation at COP30 in November 2025, held in the heart of the Amazon in Belém, Pará.
Eligibility
The competition welcomes anyone over 18, including individuals, teams, startups, or organizations, who have developed or are ideating an open-source AI-powered climate solution for LDCs or SIDS. No AI expertise is required, making it accessible to diverse applicants, from independent innovators to established entities. Participants can submit up to three proposals, and solutions in the ideation stage are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with partners to develop their AI solutions, ensuring inclusivity and a wide range of perspectives in addressing climate challenges.
Benefits
The AI for Climate Action Award 2025 offers participants significant opportunities to advance their projects and gain recognition:
- Winner: Fully funded travel to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, to receive the award, plus visibility and networking at the conference.
- Finalists: Media exposure via UNFCCC channels, visibility on the award website, and coaching for the live pitch session.
- Semifinalists: Media exposure, website visibility, and coaching for video production.
- All participants: Opportunities to connect with global climate and technology leaders, fostering potential collaborations.
How To Apply?
Applicants must submit a written project description of up to 500 words by 31 July 2025, outlining the climate challenge, AI solution, and impact in LDCs or SIDS, via the official website (https://aica.awardsplatform.com/). Semifinalists, selected by a panel of expert judges, will submit a 3-minute video presentation in August 2025, showcasing their project and team. Finalists will deliver a 10-minute virtual live pitch in September 2025, answering judges’ questions to compete for the top prize. All applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Contact
For questions or further details, visit the official website or use the contact form at https://aica.awardsplatform.com/page/MqOAqENy
Together for a Better Tomorrow
