The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), a UNESCO Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, together with Amazon Web Services (AWS), has launched the 2026 Call for Proposals for the Compute for Climate Fellowship — a global programme supporting innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, advanced technologies and climate solutions.
The programme is designed for climate and energy technology startups seeking to use artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other advanced technologies to develop ambitious proof-of-concept solutions addressing key climate and energy challenges.
Up to USD 200,000 in Support
Selected startups may receive up to USD 200,000 in AWS credits to cover eligible cloud computing costs associated with the development of their proof-of-concept project.
The Fellowship also includes approximately three months of technical and scientific mentorship from experts at IRCAI and AWS. Proof-of-concept projects will be developed between 11 January and 5 April 2027, with the results presented during the Demo Day on 14 April 2027.
Addressing a Wide Range of Climate and Energy Challenges
The 2026 Call covers a broad range of areas where AI and advanced computing can support the development of innovative solutions, including:
- clean energy and grid flexibility,
- climate intelligence and Earth observation,
- sustainable agriculture, food and water systems,
- low-carbon industry and materials,
- carbon removal and ecosystem restoration,
- low-carbon transport and autonomous systems,
- sustainable buildings and data-centre infrastructure.
This year’s Fellowship also places particular emphasis on extreme heat and climate resilience, community-led and Indigenous-led approaches, responsible AI, and sustainability-aware computing practices.
AI for a Sustainable Future
The Compute for Climate Fellowship is aligned with the principles of the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, including human rights, fairness, inclusion, environmental sustainability, and the responsible development and use of AI.
The programme is open to innovators from around the world. IRCAI also highlights the importance of reaching startups and innovation ecosystems that may not have direct access to major international technology and startup networks.
For the European and Slovak innovation ecosystem, the Fellowship represents an opportunity for technology companies, research teams and other organisations working in areas such as climate tech, energy tech, AI and advanced digital technologies.
Key Information
Application period: 1–30 September 2026
Eligible applicants: Privately held climate and energy technology companies founded within the last 10 years, from any country
Support: Up to USD 200,000 in AWS credits per selected startup, together with technical and scientific mentorship from IRCAI and AWS
Proof-of-concept development: 11 January – 5 April 2027
Demo Day: 14 April 2027
More information about the programme, eligibility requirements and the application process is available on the IRCAI website.
2026 Compute for Climate Fellowship – Call for Proposals
The Fellowship offers innovators an opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence and advanced computing technologies can be applied to develop practical solutions supporting the climate and energy transition.
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