Bezos Earth Fund launches $100 million AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge
Application now open for innovative solutions as part of its AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge
Press Release
This press release was updated on July 26, 2024 to reflect the Grand Challenge submission window.
Washington, DC - April 16, 2024 – The Bezos Earth Fund today unveiled an AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge – under which up to $100 million in grants will be awarded. Its goal is to see how modern AI might help address climate change and nature loss and inspire deeper collaboration between groups on the front line of environmental solutions and leading AI technology providers. The application window run from June 11 to August 13, 2024 at 5:59 PM ET.
“Can modern AI help counter climate change and nature loss, and, if so, how? That’s the question we hope to answer,” said Jeff Bezos, Executive Chair of the Fund. “By bringing together brilliant minds across fields, we may be able to invent new ways forward.”
In its first round, the Grand Challenge will advance solutions in three focus areas: sustainable proteins, biodiversity conservation, and power grid optimization. It will also include a “Wild Card” category for powerful ideas outside the focus areas. Subsequent rounds will address other priorities. Each round will include two funding opportunities. In the first phase, up to 30 seed grants will be awarded for promising AI ideas addressing the focus areas. Awardees will be announced at a Bezos Earth Fund-TED event during Climate Week NYC in late September. In phase two, these awardees will be eligible to apply for grants up to $2 million to grow their concepts into viable solutions, receiving mentorship, support from technology leaders, and access to computing infrastructure and relevant datasets.
“AI may have the potential to solve some of our biggest problems, and we’re calling on the planet’s brightest problem solvers to bring their visionary ideas to the table,” said Vice Chair Lauren Sánchez. “Together, we can innovate and solve these challenges.”
Bezos Earth Fund President and CEO Dr. Andrew Steer said, “The future is unlikely to be characterized by straight lines and gentle curves, but rather by unexpected changes and tipping points, good or bad. The arrival of AI will potentially help solve very difficult challenges. With this program we hope to make a helpful contribution.”
Learn more about the Grand Challenge and sign up for updates on proposal submissions here.
Potential applicants are encouraged to read more about the Grand Challenge and sign up to attend the June 20 virtual information session.
About the Bezos Earth Fund
The Bezos Earth Fund is helping transform the fight against climate change with the largest ever philanthropic commitment to climate and nature protection. Jeff Bezos has committed $10 billion in this decisive decade to protect nature and address climate change. By providing funding and expertise, we partner with organizations to accelerate innovation, break down barriers to success and create a more equitable and sustainable world. Join us in our mission to create a world where people prosper in harmony with nature.