Funded UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026.

Applications are now open for the 2026 UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award. The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action (AICA) Award 2026 recognizes open-source, AI-powered solutions that contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS).

The AICA Award celebrates the power of people and AI in the face of the climate emergency. This global competition elevates open-source, AI-driven solutions that tackle climate change head-on, supporting bold ideas in adaptation and mitigation and empowering them to reach new heights on the world stage.

The AICA Award 2026 is hosted by the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism, which is comprised of the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee and the Climate Technology Centre and Network, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Requirements

Anyone above the age of 18 years is welcome to submit an open-source, AI-powered solution that contributes to climate change adaptation and/or mitigation action in LDCs and/or SIDS.
This could be a solution for low-emission and/or climate-resilient development in agriculture, energy, water, waste, transport, early warning systems, health, or other areas. Submissions should demonstrate how AI is being used in this context and the proven or expected impacts are of the proposed solution.

Benefits

Main Prize: Award Winner

1. Present your solution at COP31

The Winner of the AICA Award 2026 will receive travel and accommodation for one person to take part in the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026, where they will have the opportunity to present their AI-powered climate solution to an international audience.

2. Visibility and networking

The winning solution will gain visibility at the world’s key international climate conference. The Winner will have the opportunity to connect with climate technology stakeholders and present their solution to relevant audiences.

3. Media exposure through UNFCCC channels

The Winner will receive media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels, helping to increase awareness of their solution and its contribution to climate action.

Benefits for Finalists

1. Travel to the AICA Forum 2026

Finalists will receive travel to the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee AI for Climate Action Forum in October 2026. The venue will be confirmed at a later stage.

2. Visibility on the AICA Award website

Finalists will be featured on the AICA Award website, giving their solutions visibility among audiences interested in AI, climate technology, and innovation for LDCs and SIDS.

3. Media exposure through UNFCCC channels

Finalists will receive media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels, helping them communicate their work to a wider international audience.

4. Live pitch coaching

Finalists will receive coaching for the live pitch session from Enterprise Neurosystem. This support is designed to help them present their solution clearly, respond to questions from the judging panel, and communicate the impact and potential of their work.

Benefits for Semifinalists

1. Visibility on the AICA Award website

Semifinalists will be featured on the AICA Award website, helping them gain recognition for their open-source, AI-powered climate solutions.

2. Media exposure through UNFCCC channels

Semifinalists will receive media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels, supporting greater awareness of their ideas, teams, and climate impact.

3. Video production coaching and post-production

Semifinalists will receive coaching on video production to help them prepare a clear and compelling 90-second video presentation for the semi-final round, including post-production.

4. Training on digital public goods

Semifinalists will receive training on digital public goods (DPGs) from the Digital Public Goods Alliance Secretariat, supporting them in understanding how DPGs can contribute to climate action and public benefit.

Application Timeline:

3 June 2026: Call for submissions opens
3 July 2026: Deadline for submissions
27 July 2026: Semifinalist announcement
20 August 2026: Deadline for video and detailed project submissions by semifinalists
3 September 2026: Finalist announcement
22 September 2026: Final Round: Live pitch by finalists
TBD October 2026: Announcement of the AICA Award Winner 2026