AI Innovation
Grand Challenge

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"The AI Innovation Grand Challenge is a promising step forward in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to empower innovators in developing countries." -- Simon Stiell, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary

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Launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December 2023 (COP 28), the AI Innovation Grand Challenge is a global open-source AI competition. Hosted by the Enterprise Neurosystem in partnership with the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in support of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action (#AI4ClimateAction), the contest aims to:

  • Identify #AI4ClimateAction solutions that drive responsible climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries.
  • Support the development & scaling-up of #AI4ClimateAction solutions
  • Raise awareness of opportunities, challenges and risks of the use of AI for climate action. 

Open-source AI applications developed during the Challenge will be considered for distribution through the AI Climate Application Hub, launching in Fall 2024. The Hub will provide free access to approved applications, democratizing the development and deployment of AI to combat climate change globally.

Join The AI Innovation Grand Challenge: Submit Your Proposal

Why

  • Make a Real Impact: Help democratize AI development and access, empowering the most vulnerable communities to build a more resilient and low-emission future in the face of climate change.
  • Networking: Connect with climate policy makers, AI experts, scientists, community leaders, and business executives from around the word. 
  • Mentorship: Receive guidance from top AI and business experts.
  • Global Recognition: Present your solution at the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
  • Valuable Prizes: The grand prize winner will be awarded sponsored attendance at COP 29, cloud computing credits, and other resources to enable and accelerate the development and implementation of their proposed solution.  

WHO

Impactful climate action requires an inter-disciplinary and intersectional approach with private-public partnership. The Grand Challenge is open to individuals and groups worldwide, regardless of background or affiliation. Students, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, NGO volunteers, and individuals with non-traditional educational or career paths are all encouraged to apply.

HOW

To participate in the AI Innovation Grand Challenge, simply click the button below and submit your 250 word project description by August 12, 2024. Our panel of judges will carefully evaluate each proposal and select the top applicants to advance to the next round.

Submit Proposal

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Additional Considerations:

  • Implementation: Preference will be given to projects already implemented in developing countries
  • Leadership: Projects led by women will be viewed favorably.
  • Origin: Proposals from LDCs and SIDS will receive positive consideration.

Contest Timeline

 

UN Grand Challenge Timeline.pptx

Prizes

Finalists

  • Expert Pitch Coaching: Refine your AI solution pitch with personalized coaching sessions led by Enterprise Neurosystem board members.

  • High-Profile Publicity and Promotion: Gain global recognition for your proposed solution through announcements at COP 29 and ongoing promotional efforts.

  • Ongoing Support Network: Access a dedicated community of Enterprise Neurosystem experts for mentorship, solution development, and promotional assistance.

Grand Prize

All Finalist Prize benefits, PLUS:

  • Sponsored Attendance at COP 29: Receive travel expenses and daily stipend to attend exclusive networking events and educational sessions at COP 29.

  • Expert Technical Assistance and Mentorship: Receive tailored guidance on AI solution development, business strategy, and implementation planning from AI experts and climate policy makers. 

  • Cloud Computing Credits: Accelerate your AI solution development with generous credits from major cloud infrastructure providers.

  • Cutting-Edge Software: Optimize your AI solution with access to leading AI development and infrastructure providers.

  • Thought Leadership Opportunities: Showcase your work and expertise through curated publicity and thought leadership projects.

And More Exciting Prizes To Be Announced!

Follow Enterprise Neurosystem on LinkedIn for updates on the additional prizes designed to enable and accelerate the development and implementation of your winning AI solution. 

Hosted by

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The Enterprise Neurosystem is an open-source AI research community founded on the principle that all species and ecosystems on this planet are interconnected. Humanity's unprecedented impact on this system, particularly through climate change, necessitates a global-scale AI network to understand the multitude of contributing factors and generate innovative solutions to this crisis.

Currently, 190 contributors from over 30 companies and academic institutions, including Stanford SLAC, UC Berkeley, EY, IBM Research, Intel, Meta, Reliance Jio, Seagate, Verizon, and Yahoo!, volunteer their time to this non-profit open-source initiative.

The Enterprise Neurosystem provides direct support to leading international climate organizations such as the UNFCCC TEC, CTCN, and AIM for Climate, the international initiative for climate-smart agriculture and food systems sponsored by the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

To learn more visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn

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Created in 2010, the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) is the policy arm of the Technology Mechanism. It focuses on identifying policies that can accelerate the development and transfer of low-emission and climate resilient technologies.

The TEC and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) form the Technology Mechanism. With the Technology Mechanism serving the Paris Agreement, the TEC will play a key role in supporting countries to identify climate technology policies that support them to achieve the Agreement’s objectives. 

The TEC consists of 22 technology experts representing developed and developing countries. It meets at least twice a year and holds climate technology events to support efforts to address technology-related policy issues. Each year the TEC reports to the Conference of the Parties (COP) on its performance and activities. Specifically, the TEC analyses climate technology issues and develops balanced policy recommendations, supporting countries to accelerate action on climate change.

For more information, visit the UNFCCC TEC website.