IRCAI & AWS COMPUTE FOR CLIMATE FELLOWSHIP

The Compute for Climate Fellowship is a global R&D funding program that empowers climate tech startups to leverage advanced cloud computing and AI in the fight against climate change. The Fellowship was founded in 2023 by the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), under the auspices of UNESCO, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Each Fellow company accepted into the program builds a groundbreaking proof-of-concept (PoC) climate solution that is funded by AWS, with technical and scientific advisors from AWS and IRCAI.

• Grants in the form of AWS credits to cover thefor cloud computing costs of the PoC (up to $200k per startup)
• 3 month PoC build period with personalized technical support and mentorship
• Access to advanced computing services, like quantum computing, HPC, and generative AI tools
• Expert guidance in advanced computing, AI, sustainability, and ethics from IRCAI and AWS mentors
• Media and visibility via speaking opportunities and PR (on a case by case basis)
• Showcase of results across United Nations and international bodies

Winners will “think big” and demonstrate innovation, leverage advanced cloud computing, and show potential for significant global impact across at least one of the eight climate solution areas:

1. Clean Energy
2. Low-Carbon Transportation
3. Sustainable Agriculture and Food
4. Circular Economy / Manufacturing / Industry
5. Sustainable Buildings
6. Greenhouse Gas Management
7. Carbon Removal
8. Environment (water, pollution, biodiversity) and Climate Risk
9. NEW FOR 2025 FELLOWSHIP: Indigenous Solutions to the Climate Crisis

The Compute for Climate Fellowship is a global R&D funding program that empowers climate tech startups to leverage advanced cloud computing and AI in the fight against climate change. The Fellowship was founded in 2023 by the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), under the auspices of UNESCO, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Each Fellow company accepted into the program builds a groundbreaking proof-of-concept (PoC) climate solution that is funded by AWS, with technical and scientific advisors from AWS and IRCAI.

More background about the call here.

• Your company is privately held and was founded within the last 10 years
• You have a technical team capable of building with advanced cloud computing
• Your proposal incorporates innovative use of advanced cloud computing services such as:

1. 1. AI/ML and Generative AI
   2. High-Performance Computing
   3. Autonomous Computing
   4. Spatial Computing
   5. Simulation Technologies
   6. Quantum Computing
   7. Time series data analytics

About Amazon: Clean Air Task Force + Fusion Energy

Axios: 8 startups join elite climate tech fellowship

Tech Brew: Weeds are becoming herbicide-resistant. Can robots help?

Forbes: AWS Program Funds Proof-Of-Concept Efforts Of 4 Climate Startups

SDX Central: AWS Funds 4 Innovative Cloud, AI Startups

Who can I contact with questions?
Please reach out to info@ircai.org with the subject “IRCAI AWS Fellowship”

I applied to the Fellowship before but wasn’t selected. Am I eligible?
Yes, please submit a new application and you will be considered for the next program.

What happens if I’m not selected for the Fellowship?
Startups that aren’t selected can apply for $5k in AWS Credits. Eligibility criteria includes: 1) Have not previously received AWS Activate credits of equal or greater value, 2) Self-funded or pre-Series B (most recent funding round must be within the last 12 months, if applicable), 3) Have a fully-functioning company website, and 4) Founded in the past 10 years. All AWS Activate credits are in USD and subject to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions.

Will AWS build the PoC with my team?
Selected startups will be responsible for building the PoC. IRCAI scientific mentors and AWS technical expert mentors will advise on the design of the PoC, but will not build it. The startups will own IP resulting from the PoC.

Who can apply?
Private climate tech companies formed within the last 10 years, from any country.

How long is the PoC build phase?
2-3 months of development time.

Who owns the IP?
Startups retain ownership of all IP resulting from the POC.