The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) and Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) have announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Compute for Climate Fellowship. This global program supports research and development projects from startups using advanced cloud computing and artificial intelligence to create solutions aimed at combating climate change.
This year, the fellowship will expand its reach by selecting 20 startups worldwide, an increase from eight in 2024 and four in 2023. These selected startups will receive mentorship from AWS and IRCAI experts to build their proof-of-concepts at no cost.
Davor Orlic, Chief Operating Officer of IRCAI, commented on the expansion: “It wasn’t simple, but we managed to supercharge the startups with both resources and knowledge, and now we are taking it even further.” He added that expanding the fellowship not only increases the number of selected startups but also broadens the scope of climate solutions they can tackle.
Lisbeth Kaufman, Head of Climate Tech Startups Business Development at AWS, emphasized the importance of supporting a wide range of approaches to develop new climate solutions: “With the effects of the climate crisis intensifying, it is imperative that we support the development of a broad set of approaches to bring new climate solutions to life—that's why we are expanding the scope of the Compute for Climate Fellowship to accept a larger number of startups."
Applications are open until April 6, 2025. The fellowship invites climate tech startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers globally to propose ideas leveraging advanced computing technologies for climate change mitigation or adaptation. This year’s program includes a new focus area: Indigenous solutions to the climate crisis.
Indigenous communities often possess a deep understanding of ecosystems and practices that coexist harmoniously with nature. Recognizing them as leaders in addressing climate issues, this year's fellowship aims to support innovators within these communities.
Selected startups will receive funding, technical resources, mentorship, access to AWS technologies, and IRCAI’s research capabilities. AWS plans to offer up to $4 million in credits for building selected proof-of-concepts through this fellowship. Projects with significant environmental benefits aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will be prioritized.
Previous participants include RealtaFusion from Wisconsin-Madison University which achieved a world record-breaking plasma generation last year. CEO Kieran Furlong stated that "the Compute for Climate Fellowship has helped us accelerate" their project significantly.
Cosma from France is another participant using underwater micro-drones combined with AI for sustainable ocean management surveys. CEO Frédéric Mittaine noted how essential cloud resources provided by this fellowship were in developing groundbreaking marine biology algorithms.
Startups not selected will still benefit from up to $5,000 in AWS credits via AWS Activate program along with free workshops on utilizing AWS services effectively; they may also join IRCAI Industrial Club network opportunities post-application submission process completion available online today itself!