Jeff Bezos Launches $100M AI Challenge for Climate, Nature Initiatives

Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is offering up to $100 million in grants for AI projects that help address climate change.

The goal of the Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge is to inspire deeper collaboration between environmental groups on the front lines and leading AI technology providers. aims to uncover new AI-driven solutions to long-standing environmental problems.

The competition is offering cash prizes to innovators who can develop technologies that could address some of the biggest issues stemming from climate change.

Bezos has committed $10 billion of his $200 billion personal wealth to the Earth Fund.

"Can modern AI help counter climate change and nature loss, and, if so, how? That's the question we hope to answer," said Bezos. "By bringing together brilliant minds across fields, we may be able to invent new ways forward."

The challenge kicks off by looking for AI solutions that can identify sustainable proteins, help with biodiversity conservation and help optimize power grids.

The challenge will also have a "Wild Card" category for promising ideas outside those focus areas.

In the initial phase, up to 30 seed grants will be awarded. In phase two, recipients can apply for grants of up to $2 million to fully develop their AI solutions.

Related:Climate Tech Startup Secures $50M for AI, Satellite Monitoring Advancements

Awardees will also receive mentorship, support from tech leaders, access to computing resources and relevant datasets.

Applications open in May and innovators from universities, private companies and NGOs are encouraged to apply. Individuals cannot apply directly, proposals must come from established organizations or partnerships.

"The future is unlikely to be characterized by straight lines and gentle curves, but rather by unexpected changes and tipping points, good or bad,” said Andrew Steer, Bezos Earth Fund president and CEO. “The arrival of AI will potentially help solve very difficult challenges. With this program we hope to make a helpful contribution."

This article first appeared on IoT World Today's sister site, AI Business.