RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation: support and scaling grants for African climate AI
African climate AI projects at pilot stage can ask the RICH Hub for coaching, pilots and scaling grants of up to USD 200,000. Expressions of interest are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The RICH Hub Climate AI Innovation call invites African climate AI projects to share their work with the Research & Innovation for Climate (RICH) Hub. The Hub is part of AI4D, which is funded by FCDO, IDRC, Sida and Community Jameel. It is building a pipeline of AI tools that help African communities cope with climate change.
Selected projects may get technical and innovation support, coaching, research and piloting chances, contacts with partners, and more visibility. Some may also receive scaling grants of up to USD 200,000. The kind of support depends on the project's stage, its needs, the money available and how well it fits the Hub's goals.
Your project should be based in Africa or led by Africans. It should target a clear climate or environmental problem that affects African communities, ecosystems, institutions or economies. AI or data driven technology must be a real part of the solution. It must have reached pilot stage or beyond, with real users or communities, and have room to grow.
Apply by filling in the Expression of Interest form. It asks about your project, its stage, your plans and the support you need. Questions go to comms@developlocal.org.
There is no deadline. The Hub reviews expressions of interest on a rolling basis. It announced the call on 13 October 2026.
Quick answers
Does sending the form mean I get funding?
No. The Hub says the form does not guarantee selection, support or funding.
Will my project be made public?
Only if you agree. Inclusion in a public Climate AI Innovation Database is optional and not needed to be considered.