#USA #Washington, D.C. #Climate Change #AWS #IRCAI

Expanded Climate Fellowship

The Compute for Climate Fellowship program, a collaborative effort between the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), under UNESCO, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), has announced an exciting expansion for its 2025 cohort. This year, the program aims to support 20 startups, significantly increasing its capacity from previous years, where only four to eight startups were selected. The goal is to harness innovative cloud computing solutions, including artificial intelligence (AI), to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Program Overview

The fellowship is an initiative designed to fund proof-of-concept projects by startups that leverage the power of advanced cloud computing technology. Davor Orlic, IRCAI's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the program's ambition to supercharge startups with resources and knowledge. The expansion not only allows for a larger number of participating startups but also makes room for an even broader range of solutions targeting climate issues. Orlic stated, "Innovation happens when bold ideas meet the right support, and we are committed to providing that foundation to drive real environmental impact."

Lisbeth Kaufman, AWS's Head of Climate Tech Startups Business Development, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency for diverse approaches to develop new climate solutions as the climate crisis escalates. Unique projects are anticipated, including groundbreaking initiatives in fields such as fusion energy, AI-based agricultural innovations, and deep-sea exploration, all of which showcase the creative potential when technology meets sustainability.

Application Process

The application window for the 2025 Compute for Climate Fellowship is now open until April 6, 2025. Startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers from across the globe are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize cutting-edge computing technologies to tackle climate change challenges. This expanded program maintains its traditional focus on eight key areas, which include clean energy, sustainable agriculture, carbon removal, and circular economy, while also introducing a new category dedicated to Indigenous solutions. Indigenous communities hold invaluable ecological knowledge and are critical players in the fight against climate change, and their inclusion marks a significant step forward in the program.

Generating Lasting Impact

Among the notable participants in the fellowship since its inception are startups like RealtaFusion from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, renowned for achieving a groundbreaking feat in nuclear fusion energy. Their experience with the fellowship has been transformative, enabling swift advancements in their research that were previously hindered by the limits of available supercomputing resources. Similarly, Cosma, a France-based startup, is revolutionizing the way environmental surveys are conducted by employing underwater micro-drones paired with AI, offering a fresh perspective on sustainable ocean management.

All applicants who do not make the final selection will still benefit from the AWS Activate program, which provides up to $5,000 in AWS credits, as well as access to valuable workshops that focus on optimizing advanced computing services to develop their projects. Furthermore, aspiring innovators will have the opportunity to join the IRCAI Industrial Club, fostering a collaborative network for those passionate about environmental solutions.

Conclusion

The 2025 Compute for Climate Fellowship is geared to maximize impact through technology by empowering innovators worldwide. By expanding this fellowship, IRCAI and AWS underscore their commitment to nurturing bold new ideas and advancing climate technologies. As solutions evolve within this critical space, the potential for measurable, positive change in our environment looks more promising than ever.