World Wide Technology (WWT) has unveiled its AI for Good initiative at COP28, aimed at aiding one million climate tech entrepreneurs in driving sustainable innovation for the benefit of people, the planet, and profit.
According to Accenture, achieving Net Zero goals requires doubling the pace of emission reductions by 2030, yet climate tech startup funding is on the decline in 2023.
In response to this global funding challenge, WWT, in collaboration with partners such as Pearson and Open Innovation, has introduced AI for Good, a platform to support climate entrepreneurs addressing COP28 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
This initiative includes the development of an online educational program, empowering one million climate entrepreneurs to harness the potential of AI.
Omar Mir, President of WWT, emphasized the transformative impact of AI technology, with the potential to accelerate progress in clinical trials, innovation, and scientific discoveries by up to 70%.
He stated, “Climate solution startups need support to achieve COP28 goals, and that’s why we’re proud to launch our AI for Good program, delivering AI to those who need it most.”
As part of this initiative, WWT is granting access to its Advanced Technology Center (ATC), a leading R&D solution lab and innovation accelerator. Located in Abu Dhabi, the new gateway will enable entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas for involvement in the AI for Good program.
Once approved, they will be incubated in WWT’s ATC to transform their concepts into reality, underlining WWT’s commitment to COP28 and positive climate action.
While global climate tech investment has declined, the UAE has witnessed a 628% year-over-year growth since 2018, with $6 billion invested by 189 individual investors in regional climate tech in the last decade. WWT sees this as a significant opportunity for the region and itself to accelerate climate technologies.
WWT’s Advanced Technology Center is accessible both physically and digitally, facilitating informed technology decisions.
From proof of concept to cyber testing, the lab supports climate tech companies in mitigating risks associated with solving complex challenges and encourages co-innovation for sustainable outcomes.
The UAE COP28 Presidency has placed food system transformation at the heart of its agenda, as food systems contribute to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with a third of food wasted globally. WWT AI holds the potential to revolutionize these food systems, reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency.
Dr. Abed Benaichouche, Founder of Open Innovation and Managing Director of WWT International, highlighted the AI for Good program’s mission to promote healthy, climate-friendly diets among children and families in the UAE.
Through education and development initiatives, the program aims to improve the UAE’s Global Food Security Index rankings.
Author and charity founder Carmel McConnell, MBE, emphasized the potential of AI to reduce child hunger globally through forecasting and data analytics. She stressed the need to swiftly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food systems and create a child-centered global food strategy.
Daniel Valle, Senior Vice President of Sales, GSP International at WWT, discussed the significance of providing climate tech startups with the right technological ecosystem to bring innovative concepts to life. The Advanced Technology Center offers vital tools and platforms to catalyze innovation and advance the climate agenda.
At COP28, Carmel McConnell and Daniel Valle received a warm welcome from delegates keen on scaling up climate solutions. They highlighted the potential of AI for Good in addressing climate challenges and accelerating progress towards a sustainable future.
