Jeff Bezos Unveils $100M AI Challenge to Tackle Climate Change and Support Nature Initiatives

Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is launching an ambitious initiative, offering up to $100 million in grants for innovative AI projects focused on combating climate change. The Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge aims to foster collaboration between leading environmental organizations and top-tier AI technology providers to uncover groundbreaking solutions to persistent ecological issues.

This competition calls for innovators to develop technologies addressing some of the most pressing challenges posed by climate change, with cash prizes available for standout ideas. As part of his commitment to environmental causes, Bezos has earmarked $10 billion of his personal wealth—totaling $200 billion—to support the Earth Fund's mission. "Can modern AI help counter climate change and nature loss? If so, how?" Bezos poses. "By bringing together brilliant minds across various fields, we may be able to invent new pathways forward."

The challenge specifically seeks AI solutions for identifying sustainable protein sources, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and optimizing energy distribution in power grids. Additionally, a unique "Wild Card" category will welcome innovative ideas that fall outside these primary focus areas.

In its initial phase, the challenge will award up to 30 seed grants to promising projects. Recipients will have the opportunity to apply for subsequent grants of up to $2 million in the second phase to further develop their AI-driven solutions. Awardees will benefit from mentorship, guidance from technology leaders, and access to essential computing resources and relevant datasets.

Applications for this transformative initiative will open in May, inviting participation from innovators at universities, private companies, and non-governmental organizations. However, it’s important to note that individual applicants cannot apply directly; proposals must come from established organizations or collaborative partnerships.

As Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, emphasizes, “The future is unlikely to follow a predictable path but will likely involve sudden changes and tipping points, whether positive or negative. The advent of AI has the potential to address some of these formidable challenges. With this program, we hope to make a meaningful contribution.”