UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026

The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026 is a global competition for open-source, AI-driven climate solutions. The 2026 edition focuses on solutions that support climate change adaptation and/or mitigation action in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, with submissions due by 3 July 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Quick Overview

Programme: UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026
Opportunity Type: Global Competition / Award
Host: UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee and Climate Technology Centre and Network
Partner: Korea International Cooperation Agency
Focus: Open-source AI-driven climate solutions
Target Areas: LDCs and SIDS
Deadline: 3 July 2026, 23:59 CEST
Eligibility: Contestants must be 18 years of age or over

About the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026

The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award celebrates open-source AI-driven solutions that address climate change. The award highlights solutions that contribute to climate change adaptation, mitigation, or both.

The 2026 edition is hosted by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee and the Climate Technology Centre and Network, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

The award places a strong focus on Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. It aims to give visibility, recognition, and growth opportunities to open-source AI-driven climate solutions developed in or for these countries.

Solution Areas

Submissions may support low-emission or climate-resilient development across different climate-relevant sectors.

Eligible solution areas may include:

• Agriculture
• Energy
• Water
• Waste
• Transport
• Early warning systems
• Health
• Other climate-relevant sectors

Submissions should show how artificial intelligence is being used to address climate-related challenges in innovative, impactful, and context-specific ways.

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Prizes and Benefits

The official terms list separate benefits for the Winner, Finalists, and Semifinalists.

For the Winner, the prize includes:

✓ Travel to the UN Climate Change Conference COP 31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026
✓ Visibility and networking opportunities at COP 31
✓ Media exposure via UNFCCC communication channels

For Finalists, the prize includes:

✓ Travel to the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee AI for Climate Action Forum 2026 in October 2026
✓ Visibility on the AI for Climate Action Award website
✓ Media exposure via UNFCCC communication channels
✓ Coaching for the live pitch session

For Semifinalists, the prize includes:

✓ Visibility on the AI for Climate Action Award website
✓ Media exposure via UNFCCC communication channels
✓ Coaching on video production
✓ Training on digital public goods

Eligibility Criteria

The contest is open to contestants who meet the official age requirement.

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or over
• Submit an open-source, AI-powered climate solution
• Ensure the entry is original work
• Submit the entry through the official contest process
• Accept the official Terms and Conditions

The solution should contribute to climate change adaptation and/or mitigation action in LDCs and/or SIDS.

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Entry Rules

A contestant may submit up to three individual entries. Each entry will be judged separately.

However, a contestant’s entry can only be shortlisted and selected as a finalist once. The highest ranking will be used if more than one entry is submitted.

Entries must be completed according to the official entry process. No other method of entry will be accepted.

The official terms also state that entries may be rejected or removed if they include defamatory or malicious content, infringe copyright or intellectual property rights, or breach the Terms and Conditions.

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Application Process

Applicants must submit their entry through the official contest site.

The official entry process requires contestants to:

• Register an account on the official Contest Site
• Upload a proposal using the submission form
• Submit the proposal and submission form by 3 July 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Read and accept the Terms and Conditions
• Provide additional contact information for semifinalist or finalist communication

An entry is not complete until the contestant completes the Submission Form and accepts the Terms and Conditions.

Selection Process

A panel of seven official judges will select the Semifinalists, Finalists, and Winner.

Names of contestants and the Winner may be published. The Host may also select an alternative Finalist if a Finalist cannot be contacted.

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Important Dates

Applicants should follow the official deadline carefully.

• Contest opens: 3 June 2026
• Initial entry deadline: 3 July 2026
• Proposal and submission form deadline: 3 July 2026, 23:59 CEST
• COP 31 prize event for Winner: November 2026
• AI for Climate Action Forum 2026 for Finalists: October 2026

Official Link

Review the official award details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.

View the Official UNFCCC Technology Mechanism AI for Climate Action Award 2026 Page