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[London, July 24, 2025] In a bold move to harness the power of artificial intelligence against the pressing impacts of climate change, fintech giant Klarna and impact platform Milkywire (two Unbound Summits collaborators and friendlies) have unveiled the AI for Climate Resilience Program. The initiative aims to empower community-led, AI-driven projects in the most climate-vulnerable regions worldwide.
Up to USD 300,000 per project
Eligible organisations, especially those based in low and middle income countries, can apply for grants of up-to US $300,000, accompanied by mentorship, training, and peer support to enhance local adaptation capabilities (LinkedIn). Funded initiatives will focus on strengthening food security, bolstering health systems, and building coastal resilience in areas hit hardest by climate shocks.
Who Should Apply
The programme seeks proposals that:
- Apply AI responsibly to create practical adaptation tools, such as smartphone advisers for farmers or early warning systems for climate hazards.
- Bridge local insights and global data, making risk assessments both accessible and actionable.
- Enhance cost‑effectiveness by refining existing AI tools and sharing best practices or open datasets.
In contrast, proposals solely focused on short‑term emergency relief, pure research, greenhouse‑gas reduction, or platform services lacking direct adaptation impact are excluded.
Rigorous selection process
The programme follows this timeline and evaluation path:
- July 4, 2025 – Open call for proposals begins.
- August 31, 2025 – Submission deadline.
- September 2025 – Technical review by Milkywire, followed by Advisory Group interviews.
- October 2025 – Due diligence and final funding decisions.
- November–December 2025 – Onboarding of selected grantees
Milkywire and its partners will assess applications based on technical readiness, risk management (including algorithmic fairness, transparency, and environmental impacts), team capabilities, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
A collaboration with impact at its core
Initially championed by Klarna’s sustainability division, the programme marks a new phase in their climate commitment. The fintech firm is providing both financial support and AI expertise to help climate‑vulnerable communities adapt. Milkywire, leveraging its established frameworks, will manage the call for proposals in coordination with the WRLD Foundation, a U.S.‑based 501(c)(3) charity, which will formally contract the grants.
Looking ahead: communities and climate impact
Projects funded under this programme are set to begin in January 2026 and run for 12–18 months, with the aim of generating locally owned, measurable outcomes. Together, Klarna and Milkywire hope to demonstrate how AI can be responsibly applied to increase resilience, particularly in food systems, health access, and disaster preparedness.
Why this matters
As climate change wreaks increasing havoc, from droughts and floods to disease outbreaks, there is urgent need for scalable, community‑centred solutions. By channeling AI funding directly into grassroots initiatives, this programme aims to create lasting, locally owned resilience, beyond isolated pilot projects.
Apply!
Applications are now open. Organisations interested can review eligibility criteria and apply via Milkywire's dedicated portal. The deadline is August 31, 2025, with successful teams joining the programme in early 2026.
This marks a promising step toward combining technological innovation with real‑world impact, one that could serve as a blueprint for future climate‑tech philanthropy.
