Deadline: July 3, 2026
Applications are open for the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026. Launched in 2024, the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action (AICA) Award celebrates the power of people and AI in the face of our planet’s greatest challenge.
This global competition elevates open-source, AI-driven solutions that tackle climate change head-on, supporting bold ideas in adaptation and mitigation and empowering them to reach new heights on the world stage. Last year, the Award attracted more than 600 submissions from 110 countries, with the winning solution on AI-powered smart agriculture from Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Benefits
Main Prize: Award Winner
- Present your solution at COP31: The Winner of the AICA Award 2026 will receive travel and accommodation for one person to take part in the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026, where they will have the opportunity to present their AI-powered climate solution to an international audience.
- Visibility and networking: The winning solution will gain visibility at the world’s key international climate conference. The Winner will have the opportunity to connect with climate technology stakeholders and present their solution to relevant audiences.
- Media exposure through UNFCCC channels: The Winner will receive media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels, helping to increase awareness of their solution and its contribution to climate action.
Benefits for Finalists
- Travel to the AICA Forum 2026: Finalists will receive travel to the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee AI for Climate Action Forum in October 2026. The venue will be confirmed at a later stage.
- Visibility on the AICA Award website: Finalists will be featured on the AICA Award website, giving their solutions visibility among audiences interested in AI, climate technology, and innovation for LDCs and SIDS.
- Media exposure through UNFCCC channels: Finalists will receive media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels, helping them communicate their work to a wider international audience.
- Live pitch coaching: Finalists will receive coaching for the live pitch session from Enterprise Neurosystem. This support is designed to help them present their solution clearly, respond to questions from the judging panel, and communicate the impact and potential of their work.
Benefits for Semifinalists
- Visibility on the AICA Award website: Semifinalists will be featured on the AICA Award website, helping them gain recognition for their open-source, AI-powered climate solutions.
- Media exposure through UNFCCC channels: Semifinalists will receive media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels, supporting greater awareness of their ideas, teams, and climate impact.
- Video production coaching and post-production: Semifinalists will receive coaching on video production to help them prepare a clear and compelling 90-second video presentation for the semi-final round, including post-production.
- Training on digital public goods: Semifinalists will receive training on digital public goods (DPGs) from the Digital Public Goods Alliance Secretariat, supporting them in understanding how DPGs can contribute to climate action and public benefit.
Eligibility
- Anyone above the age of 18 years, with an open-source, AI-powered climate solution developed in or for least developed countries (LDCs) or small island developing States (SIDS), is encouraged to apply.
- Applications are welcome from individuals, teams, start-ups, organizations, or any other type of entity.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation of submissions will be based on the following criteria:
- Relevance: The suitability and scalability of the proposed solution in LDCs and SIDS.
- Impact: The potential of the solution to enhance climate resilience and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Preference will be given to projects that have demonstrated measurable results or a clearly defined pathway to significant impact.
- Inclusive leadership: Special consideration will be given to solutions that are led by women, recognizing the importance of inclusive leadership in driving equitable climate action.
- Origin: Solutions originating from LDCs or SIDS will receive positive consideration.
- Alignment: Solutions that can support activities and areas of work in the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism Joint Work Programme 2023-2027.
- Open-source: To what extent does the open-source nature of the solution align with the baseline requirements for recognition as a digital public good?
Application
For more information, see FAQ and visit AICA.
