Are you building an AI or data tool that helps African communities cope with climate change? The Research & Innovation for Climate (RICH) Hub wants to hear from you. It is collecting Expressions of Interest from African climate AI innovators. Selected innovations may get coaching, piloting support, partnerships and scaling grants of up to US$200,000. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you can apply now.
About the RICH Hub
The RICH Hub, also called the AI Climate Innovation Hub, is led by Kenya’s Local Development Research Institute (LDRI) and AfriClimate AI. It is part of the AI for Development (AI4D) programme, which is funded by Canada’s IDRC and the UK’s FCDO.
Africa loses up to 5% of its GDP every year to climate shocks. Many promising AI tools could help, but they struggle to get adopted and grow. Over three years, the Hub aims to take at least four high-impact, African-built AI tools to scale. Its focus areas include agriculture, early warning systems, climate forecasting and community resilience.
This Expression of Interest helps the Hub build a pipeline of strong innovations and understand what support each one needs.
Benefits of the RICH Hub Climate AI Programme
Depending on your stage and needs, selected innovations may access:
- Scaling grants of up to US$200,000
- Technical and innovation support
- Coaching and mentorship
- Piloting opportunities
- Access to climate data and responsible AI expertise
- Connections with partners, funders and researchers
- Greater visibility, including an optional listing in a public Climate AI Innovation Database
Please note: grants depend on eligibility, assessment and available funds. Submitting the form does not guarantee selection, support or funding.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
- African-led, or based in an African country
- Your solution tackles a clear climate or environmental challenge in Africa
- AI or data technology is a core part of your solution
- Your innovation has reached at least the pilot stage
- You can show potential to grow, be adopted and scale
Startups, researchers, organisations and other solution developers can all apply.
What the Form Asks For
- Your organisation name and website or LinkedIn
- Where you operate or where your innovation is used
- Primary contact details
- Size, gender mix and age range of your core team
- Your innovation, its stage of development, your goals and your support needs
- Whether you agree to be listed in the public database (optional; saying no will not affect your assessment)
Application Deadline
There is no fixed deadline. Expressions of Interest are reviewed on a rolling basis. Even so, applying early gives you a better chance before resources are allocated.
How to Apply for the RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation Programme
- Read about the Hub on the AI4D project page.
- Prepare a short description of your innovation, its stage, results so far and the support you need.
- Complete the RICH Hub Expression of Interest form.
- Decide whether to opt into the public innovation database, then submit.
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Show pilot results with real numbers, such as farmers reached or accuracy of forecasts.
- Explain clearly how AI makes your solution better than the alternatives.
- Be specific about your support needs, for example data access, funding or partners.
- Mention local partners, such as farmer groups, county governments or weather agencies.
Key Details at a Glance
- Organiser: RICH Hub (LDRI and AfriClimate AI)
- Programme: AI4D, funded by IDRC and FCDO
- Who: African climate AI innovators at pilot stage or beyond
- Funding: Potential scaling grants of up to US$200,000
- Focus: Agriculture, early warning, forecasting, community resilience
- Deadline: Rolling
