The UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Award 2025 is an exciting opportunity for innovators, developers, researchers, and startups to showcase open-source AI-powered solutions tackling climate change, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Winners will gain global recognition and the chance to present their solutions at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
If you’re developing a project that leverages artificial intelligence to drive climate resilience or emissions reduction, this is your opportunity to scale your impact.
What is the UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Award 2025?
The UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Award 2025 is a global competition hosted by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee, in partnership with the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and in collaboration with Brazil and Enterprise Neurosystem. It celebrates human ingenuity and technological innovation in the face of the climate crisis.
This award seeks open-source AI solutions with a measurable impact on climate change mitigation or adaptation in vulnerable nations.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone aged 18 or older can apply. This includes:
- Individuals
- Teams or organizations
- Non-profits, startups, academic institutions, and tech companies
Eligibility Criteria:
- The project must be AI-powered
- The solution must be open-source
- It must be developed in or applicable to LDCs or SIDS
Application Timeline
Round 1: Written Submission
📅 Deadline: 31 July 2025
📝 Submit a 500-word description of your project
Round 2: Video Submission (Semifinalist Round)
📅 August 2025
📽️ Selected entries submit a 3-minute explainer video
Round 3: Live Pitch (Finalist Round)
📅 September 2025
🎤 Finalists present a 10-minute live virtual pitch
Prizes and Benefits
Grand Winner
- Travel and accommodation to present at COP30 in Brazil (November 2025)
- Global exposure and media coverage via UNFCCC
- Access to a high-impact global network
Finalists
- Featured on the AI for Climate Action Award page
- Coaching and pitch development support
- International recognition
Semifinalists
- Media exposure via UNFCCC communications
- Coaching on video production
- Featured on official event pages
Judging Criteria
- Relevance to LDCs and SIDS
- Climate impact (adaptation or emission reduction)
- Inclusivity, particularly women-led innovations
- Solution origin, with preference for solutions developed in LDCs or SIDS
- Open-source commitment
- Alignment with UNFCCC Technology Mechanism priorities
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Submit your entry through the official platform:
👉 Apply Now via aica.awardsplatform.com
Make sure to complete your written submission by 31 July 2025.
Expert Opinion: How to Prepare a Winning Proposal
GrantDatabase.org experts recommend the following:
“Start with a clear articulation of the climate problem your solution addresses. Then, describe your AI-driven approach and its measurable impact. Be specific about how your project aligns with the needs of LDCs or SIDS. Include strong data or pilot results to strengthen credibility. Finally, ensure your open-source commitment is well defined.”
— Grant Advisory Team, GrantDatabase.org
🔧 Need help?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review support.
Conclusion
The UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Award 2025 offers a unique chance for climate innovators to make a global impact while gaining recognition at the world’s most important climate conference — COP30 in Brazil. Submit your open-source AI-powered solution now and take your project to the global stage.
For proposal assistance and expert review services, contact us at grantsdatabase.org.