The Research & Innovation for Climate (RICH) HubAI Innovation 2026 for African…

Application Deadline: Unspecified

Applications are now open for the 2026 RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation. The Research & Innovation for Climate (RICH) Hub is inviting African climate AI innovators, researchers, startups, organizations, and solution developers to express their interest in joining its growing pipeline of innovations advancing climate resilience across Africa.

Climate change poses significant challenges to Africa’s sustainable development. While artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies offer new opportunities to strengthen climate resilience, many promising innovations face barriers to adoption, implementation, and scale.

Through this Expression of Interest , the RICH Hub seeks to identify promising climate AI innovations that are already being tested in real-world settings and have the potential to deliver meaningful impact in African contexts.

The Hub is looking for African-led or Africa-based innovations that

• Address a clearly defined climate or environmental challenge relevant to African communities, ecosystems, institutions, or economies.
• Use AI and/or data-driven technologies as a meaningful part of the solution.
• Have reached the pilot stage or beyond and are being tested or used with their intended communities, organizations, or end users.
• Have potential for further development, adoption, or scale.

Benefits

• Selected innovations may access technical and innovation support, coaching, research and piloting opportunities, ecosystem connections, knowledge exchange, increased visibility, scaling partnerships, and potential scaling grants of up to USD 200,000.
• Support will depend on eligibility, assessment, available resources, the innovation’s stage of development, and alignment with the Hub’s objectives.