As the debate over artificial intelligence technology and its potential dangers and benefits becomes ever more widespread, one billionaire is doubling down on his desire to use technology for good to help find solutions to climate change.
On Thursday, Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund announced that the organization will donate $100 million in grants to groups through the “AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge,” which will seek to help determine how “modern artificial intelligence could help tackle climate change and nature.” loss” and “inspire deeper collaboration between groups on the front lines of environmental solutions and leading AI technology providers.”
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The competition will consist of multiple phases that will address different areas of interest and concern: for example, the first phase will focus on the areas of sustainable proteins, biodiversity conservation and electricity grid optimization. Each round will also include a “Wild Card” category for those who wish to submit a proposal that does not fit into the selected categories.
There will be two funding phases per round. In the first, up to 30 initial grants will be awarded to the best groups that “promise AI ideas addressing areas of interest,” while the second phase will allow these winners to apply for grants of up to $2 million, as well as receive mentorship and access to “computing infrastructure and relevant data sets.”
The Bezos Earth Fund said it will accept applications from “professionals, researchers and innovators in universities, NGOs, private companies and organizations” but that proposals from individuals will not be accepted.
“The future is unlikely to be characterized by straight lines and gentle curves, but rather by unexpected changes and turning points, good or bad,” Bezos Earth Fund President and CEO Dr. Andrew Steer said in a statement corporate. “The arrival of artificial intelligence will potentially help solve very difficult challenges. With this program we hope to make a useful contribution.”
Applications will officially open in May 2024 and interested parties will be able to apply next month, here.
Related: Eva Longoria and Bill McRaven win Jeff Bezos Award for Charity
Last month, Bezos awarded Eva Longoria and Admiral Bill McRaven $50 million each to donate to the charity of their choice through the Bezos Courage and Civility Award.
Bezos revealed exclusively to CNN in 2022 that he intends to give away the majority of his wealth over his lifetime. As of Thursday afternoon, his net worth was estimated at $203 billion.