At Mercy Corps Ventures we are investing in the next frontier of climate resilience solutions for those most vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate. We believe advanced climate analytics and AI can be leveraged to improve weather forecasting, early warning systems, flood and wildfire prediction, and farming advice for better climate adaptation. In addition, AI’s capabilities in measuring, predicting and optimizing complex systems hold tremendous potential for strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating the development of sustainable and scalable solutions for those most in need.

Describe the format of your programme.:

Mercy Corps Ventures is launching a call for proposals focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Climate Resilience. This initiative seeks startups or organizations deploying innovative AI-based solutions for climate resilience in emerging markets.
In the AI for Climate Resilience call, we seek partners to test these potential uses of climate analytics and AI to enhance the resilience and sustainability of agriculture and food production, increase access to finance, and address climate change in emerging markets. We are looking for solutions that benefit low-income and underserved populations.
We will select applications that intersect AI with the following themes, in line with our Resilient Futures Thesis:
Adaptive Agriculture: How can we feed the world without harming the environment? Can AI improve soil diagnostics, help scale regenerative agriculture, or make supply chains more efficient and less wasteful? We seek AI-based solutions that help smallholder farmers in emerging countries improve yields, protect the environment, transition to sustainable practices, and reduce waste, among others.
Inclusive Fintech. How can we facilitate financing for climate resilience? What role can AI play in increasing access to finance for smallholder farmers? We seek innovative financial solutions in the food and agriculture space that can unlock finance for climate resilience.
Climate smart technologies: How can AI help address other challenges related to strengthening climate resilience? For example, how can we protect forests, land, oceans and glaciers? How might AI enhance the use of renewable energy for productive use? We welcome ideas that leverage AI to strengthen the climate resilience of smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and low-income communities.

Brief detail of instructors used:

Non Financial Support Provided: Technical Assistance & Capacity Building

Financial Support Provided: Grant