AWS Compute for Climate Fellowship 2025: Empowering Startups with AI and Cloud Computing

Technological innovation has become a crucial ally in developing effective solutions in the face of escalating climate change challenges. The Compute for Climate Fellowship, a joint initiative by the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) under UNESCO and Amazon Web Services (AWS), is set to significantly impact this space.

Now in its third year, the fellowship provides climate tech startups with funding, technical resources, and mentorship to develop proof-of-concept (PoC) solutions using advanced cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

For 2025, the program is expanding to support 20 startups, a significant increase from eight in 2024 and four in 2023. This expansion reflects a growing commitment to fostering innovative solutions in climate tech, particularly leveraging AI and cloud computing for impactful change.

Highlights of the AWS Compute for Climate Fellowship 

The Compute for Climate Fellowship offers a comprehensive package of resources designed to help startups scale their solutions effectively. Some of the key benefits include:

• Selected startups will receive up to USD 200,000 in AWS cloud credits to cover PoC development costs, with a total funding pool of up to USD 4 million.
• Startups will have a chance to gain access to expert guidance from AWS and IRCAI mentors specializing in AI, sustainability, and ethics.
• Participants can utilize cutting-edge cloud services, including generative AI, high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing, and autonomous systems.
• Winning projects will be showcased at United Nations and international forums, providing significant exposure and networking opportunities.
• The introduction of a new focus area, Indigenous Solutions to the Climate Crisis, aims to support projects that incorporate traditional knowledge and community-driven approaches to climate challenges.

What are the focus areas for year 2025?

Startups applying for the fellowship must develop solutions aligned with at least one of the following nine climate solution areas:

1.    Clean Energy
2.    Low-Carbon Transportation
3.    Sustainable Agriculture and Food
4.    Circular Economy and Industry
5.    Sustainable Buildings
6.    Greenhouse Gas Management
7.    Carbon Removal
8.    Environment and Climate Risk
9.    Indigenous Solutions to the Climate Crisis (new in 2025)

Important Details

The application process for the Compute for Climate Fellowship 2025 follows a structured timeline:

•    March 4 – April 6, 2025: Applications open.
•    April – June 2025: Review process and interviews with shortlisted finalists.
•    June 6, 2025: Announcement of selected startups.
•    June – August 2025: Winners are matched with mentors, and project planning begins.
•    September – November 2025: PoC development phase.

What are the eligibility criteria for AWS Compute for Climate Fellowship?

In order to be considered for the fellowship, startups must meet the following requirements:

• They must be a privately held climate tech company founded within the last 10 years.
• Startups must have a technical team capable of developing solutions using advanced cloud computing technologies.
• They should be able to demonstrate an innovative approach using services such as AI/ML, generative AI, high-performance computing, simulation technologies, quantum computing, or spatial computing.

Additional Opportunities for Non-Selected Startups

Startups that apply but are not selected for the fellowship can still benefit from AWS’s resources. 

Eligible applicants can receive up to USD 5,000 in AWS credits through the AWS Activate program. They also gain access to free workshops and training sessions on AWS computing services and the opportunity to join the IRCAI Industrial Club for continued collaboration and support.

Conclusion

The AWS Compute for Climate Fellowship 2025 presents an invaluable opportunity for climate tech startups to scale their solutions using AI and cloud computing. By providing financial support, technical mentorship, and global visibility, the fellowship may play a crucial role for participating startups in driving impactful climate innovations by providing financial support, technical mentorship and global visibility.

With applications open until April 6, 2025, climate-focused entrepreneurs and researchers worldwide are encouraged to apply and contribute to solving the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.