Maelezo

Overview

The Research & Innovation for Climate (RICH) Hub is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from African innovators, researchers, startups and organisations developing artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions to address climate and environmental challenges.

The call forms part of the AI4D Research and Innovation for Climate Hub initiative and aims to identify promising innovations that can strengthen climate resilience across Africa.

The programme focuses on solutions that have already reached the pilot stage or beyond, with potential for further development, implementation and scaling.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to African climate AI innovators, researchers, startups and organisations developing solutions that use AI or data-driven technologies to address relevant climate or environmental challenges.

Applicants should demonstrate that their innovations have reached at least the pilot stage and have potential to contribute to climate resilience in Africa.

Programme Focus

The initiative supports innovations that apply AI and data-driven technologies to climate and environmental challenges.

It aims to identify solutions with practical applications and potential for wider deployment, particularly those that can strengthen climate resilience and support responses to environmental risks across African communities.

Funding and Programme Benefits

Selected innovations may be considered for scaling grants of up to US$200,000, subject to eligibility requirements and available resources.

In addition to potential financial support, selected applicants may benefit from technical assistance, innovation coaching, research collaboration and opportunities to pilot or further develop their solutions.

The programme also offers opportunities to connect with relevant innovation ecosystems, increase the visibility of promising technologies and establish partnerships that can support scaling.

Funding is not guaranteed, and the level of support available will depend on the assessment of each innovation and programme resources.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to identify and support promising AI-driven innovations that can contribute to climate resilience across Africa.

Selected participants may strengthen their technical and organisational capabilities, establish research and implementation partnerships, and advance their solutions towards wider application.

The initiative also seeks to encourage the practical use of AI and data-driven technologies in addressing climate and environmental challenges, supporting the development and scaling of locally relevant solutions.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest through the programme’s official application page.

Applicants should provide information about their innovation, the climate or environmental challenge it addresses, its application of AI or data-driven technologies, and its current stage of development.

Expressions of Interest are accepted on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline specified.