The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026 recognizes open-source, AI-driven solutions that contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation in least developed countries and small island developing States. The award is hosted by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee and the Climate Technology Centre and Network, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026
Category: Award / Competition
Host: UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee and Climate Technology Centre and Network
Partner: Korea International Cooperation Agency
Focus: Open-source AI solutions for climate action
Target Context: Least developed countries and small island developing States
Applications Opened: 3 June 2026
Application Deadline: 3 July 2026, 23:59 CEST
About the AI for Climate Action Award 2026
The AI for Climate Action Award was launched in 2024 to highlight the use of artificial intelligence in addressing climate change. The 2026 edition continues the award’s focus on open-source, AI-driven solutions that support adaptation and mitigation action in LDCs and SIDS.
The award looks for solutions that respond to climate-related challenges in innovative, impactful, and context-specific ways. It also gives attention to locally relevant solutions that can help communities build climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Eligible Solution Areas
Submissions may focus on low-emission or climate-resilient development across different climate-relevant sectors.
Eligible solution areas may include:
• Agriculture
• Energy
• Water
• Waste
• Transport
• Early warning systems
• Health
• Other climate-relevant sectors
Submissions should show how AI is being used to address a climate challenge and how the proposed solution can support local climate action.
Who Can Apply?
The award is open to applicants who meet the stated eligibility conditions.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• The submitted solution must be open-source and AI-powered.
• The solution must be developed in or for least developed countries or small island developing States.
• The proposal should show how the solution contributes to climate change adaptation and/or mitigation in these contexts.
• Applications are welcome from individuals, teams, start-ups, organizations, or other types of entities.
• Solutions in the ideation stage are accepted.
• Applicants may submit up to three proposals, with each proposal judged separately.
Applicants do not need to be AI experts or data scientists. The official FAQ states that proposals are welcome from individuals and teams with different backgrounds and skills.
Prizes and Recognition
The award provides different forms of recognition and support for the winner, finalists, and semifinalists.
For the winner, confirmed benefits include:
✓ Travel to the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026
✓ Visibility and networking opportunities at COP31
✓ Media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels
For finalists, confirmed benefits include:
✓ Travel to the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee AI for Climate Action Forum 2026 in October 2026
✓ Visibility on the AI for Climate Action Award website
✓ Media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels
✓ Coaching for the live pitch session
For semifinalists, confirmed benefits include:
✓ Visibility on the AI for Climate Action Award website
✓ Media exposure through UNFCCC communication channels
✓ Coaching on video production
✓ Training on digital public goods
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed against several criteria connected to relevance, impact, leadership, origin, alignment, and open-source value.
The evaluation criteria include:
• Relevance and scalability of the proposed solution in LDCs and SIDS
• Potential to enhance climate resilience and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Demonstrated measurable results or a clear pathway to significant impact
• Inclusive leadership, with special consideration for women-led solutions
• Positive consideration for solutions originating from LDCs or SIDS
• Alignment with the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism Joint Work Programme 2023–2027
• Open-source alignment with baseline requirements for recognition as a digital public good
A panel of seven official judges will select the semifinalists, finalists, and winner.
Related opportunity on GrantForYouth: Global Future Forum Bali 2026 in Indonesia (Fully Funded Seats Available)
How to Submit an Entry
Applicants must submit their entry through the official contest site. The official terms state that no other method of entry will be accepted.
The entry process includes:
• Registering an account on the official contest site
• Uploading a proposal using the submission form
• Submitting the proposal and submission form by 3 July 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Reading and accepting the Terms and Conditions
• Providing additional contact information for semifinalist or finalist notification
An entry is not complete until the contestant completes the submission form and accepts the Terms and Conditions.
Discover:Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship 2026 – 16-Week Online Program
Key Dates
• Contest opens: 3 June 2026
• Submission deadline: 3 July 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Finalist live pitch round: 22 September 2026
• Winner travel: COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
View the Official UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026 Page
