Environmental degradation remains one of the most pressing global challenges, threatening ecosystems, economies, and human well-being worldwide. To address this crisis, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with its partners, is proud to announce the 2025 AI for Climate Action Innovation Factory. This initiative aims to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop innovative solutions that help mitigate environmental impacts and support global adaptation efforts.
The 2025 edition aims to further advance the use of AI in addressing pressing environmental and sustainability challenges, promoting scalable, impactful, and inclusive AI-driven projects that can contribute to meaningful solutions aligned with global priorities and the targets of the Paris Agreement. The finale will take place at COP30 in Brazil, aligning with the conference’s mission to accelerate global environmental action.
Key objectives
- Identify and support cutting-edge AI-driven solutions to address environmental and sustainability challenges.
- Promote the development and deployment of AI-powered tools that drive measurable progress toward environmental resilience and sustainable development.
- Bring together governments, academia, private sector organizations, startups, and civil society to co-create and scale impactful sustainability-focused solutions.
- Ensure inclusivity by supporting underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and marginalized communities, in contributing to and benefiting from environmental and sustainability initiatives.
- Showcase winning solutions during high-profile events, culminating in a grand finale at COP30 in Brazil, where selected projects will gain global recognition and opportunities for adoption.
Themes for 2025
We invite submissions addressing the following key themes:
- Carbon Reduction & Clean Energy Transition
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- Develop AI applications to optimize energy consumption, enhance renewable energy systems, or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
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- Design solutions to improve crop yields, conserve water resources, and promote regenerative farming practices using AI.
- Biodiversity Conservation & Ecosystem Restoration
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- Utilize AI technologies to monitor biodiversity loss, protect endangered species, and restore degraded ecosystems.
- Inclusive Environmental Action
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- Focus on empowering vulnerable populations through accessible AI-powered solutions that support sustainability and resilience.
Grand Finale at COP30
The culmination of the 2025 AI for Climate Action Innovation Factory will take place during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil. Selected finalists will present their projects to a panel of esteemed judges comprising climate experts, technologists, and policymakers. Winners will receive recognition, prizes, and opportunities to collaborate with global organizations to bring their solutions to life.
Benefits for startups
The Winner of the session receives:
- AI for Good Innovation Factory Grand Finale ticket at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026
- Speaker Pass to attend the AI for Good Global Summit 2026
- Startup pod at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026
- Pitching opportunity in the Frontier Stage at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026
- Exclusive access to the AI for Good Innovation Factory Startup Accelerator Programme
- Featured Startup in the Innovation Factory Exhibition on the AI for Good Neural Network
- Exclusive follow-up Mentoring from judges after the session
- Networking opportunities with the UN and other potential business partners
Join us in shaping a greener, smarter, and more equitable world!
