The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is a present and growing reality. After years shaped by pandemics, extreme weather events, financial crises, conflict, and food shocks, communities, particularly in the Global South, remain on the frontlines of escalating global challenges. Women and young people, in particular, continue to bear the brunt of these interconnected crises. Advancements in technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer promising opportunities to develop solutions that respond to disruptions in livelihoods, health systems, and food security with approaches that are locally rooted, scalable, and predictive.
Against this backdrop, the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and Trafigura Foundation, is launching the Technology for Evolving Challenges in Humanitarian Contexts (TECH) 4 Resilience Challenge. TECH aims to surface innovations that apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance humanitarian preparedness and response. The challenge is looking for solutions that either address and reduce the impacts of extreme climate events in emergency settings or strengthen and improve Anticipatory Action (AA) frameworks to better manage crises before they escalate. TECH provides customised support to maximise each initiative’s impact, align initiatives with potential funders, and increase visibility.
Who can apply?
We invite applications from innovators and entrepreneurs utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) to either address climate-related emergencies or strengthen Anticipatory Action (AA) frameworks. Both not-for-profit and for-profit organisations are welcome to apply. Projects targeting emergencies in low- and middle-income countries (eligible for Official Development Assistance as defined by the OECD-DAC) are eligible for the TECH Challenge, with the exclusion of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and the Crimea Region of Ukraine. Please read the Application Guidelines thoroughly before submitting your proposal.
What will the winners receive?
Selected projects will receive a tailored leadership and mentoring programme, communications support, and guidance to prepare for pitching opportunities with potential investors. Winners will also be provided with funding up to USD 50,000 to further develop and scale their solutions.
Timeline:
- 1 August: Challenge opens
- 19 August: Webinar for potential applicants
- 31 August: Deadline for applications
- 30 September: All applicants notified of outcomes
- October: Support provided to shortlisted candidates to further develop proposals, including a virtual Leadership Academy
- November-mid-December: Winners announced at COP30 and contracted
- 2026: Project implementation – ongoing mentoring, communications, and MEL support
Please email any questions to challenge@globalresiliencepartnership.org.