Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) - RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation 2026 (With Up to $200,000 in Funding)

Published: October 19, 2026
Deadline: Ongoing
Category: Entrepreneurs Grants
Eligible Locations: Africa

Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) is currently accepting applications for its RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.

About AI4D - RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation

The RICH Hub seeks to strengthen the development and application of climate-focused artificial intelligence and data-driven innovations across Africa. Through the AI4D Research and Innovation for Climate Hub, the initiative aims to connect promising solutions with the expertise, research support and partnerships needed to address environmental challenges.

Climate change creates significant challenges for African communities, including droughts, floods, changing rainfall patterns, food insecurity, biodiversity loss and pressure on natural resources. AI and data-driven technologies can help communities, researchers and institutions better understand climate risks, improve forecasting, strengthen adaptation strategies and support evidence-based environmental decision-making.

Sponsor Organisation: Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D)

Benefits of AI4D - RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation

Selected innovations may benefit from several forms of support designed to strengthen their technical capacity, partnerships and potential for wider adoption.

Technical support: Assistance to improve or refine climate-focused innovations.
Coaching: Guidance to strengthen innovation development and implementation.
Research opportunities: Potential collaboration with relevant researchers and institutions.
Piloting opportunities: Support for testing and demonstrating solutions in practical settings.
Ecosystem connections: Access to relevant networks and stakeholders.
Visibility: Opportunities to increase awareness of promising climate AI innovations.
Scaling partnerships: Connections that may help solutions expand their reach and impact.
Potential scaling grants: Funding of up to US$200,000, subject to eligibility and available resources.

AI4D - RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation Requirements

Potential applicants may include:

African startups developing AI-powered climate solutions.
Researchers working on climate modelling, environmental data or adaptation technologies.
Organisations developing digital tools for climate resilience.
Innovation teams testing technology-based responses to environmental challenges.
Climate technology initiatives seeking research partnerships, technical support or opportunities to scale.