World Wide Technology (WWT), a major technology innovation company, has launched an AI for Good initiative at COP28 in Dubai. The program aims to support one million climate tech entrepreneurs in driving a sustainable future through technological innovation for the benefit of people, the planet, and profit.
With Accenture reporting that 93% of the world’s largest companies are at risk of failing to achieve their Net Zero goals by 2030 without doubling their pace of emission reductions, WWT’s AI for Good seeks to address the global lack of funding for climate tech startups.
WWT, along with partners Pearson and Open Innovation, plans to develop an online education program that will help one million climate entrepreneurs harness the power of AI to solve COP28 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Omar Mir, President of WWT, expressed the potential of AI technology to accelerate positive outcomes in various sectors. He emphasized the need to support climate solution startups to achieve COP28 goals and create a lasting legacy. Hence, WWT is proud to launch the AI for Good program to provide AI tools to those who need them the most.
As part of the initiative, WWT is offering access to its Advanced Technology Centre (ATC), a prominent research and development solution lab and innovation accelerator. The ATC, located in Abu Dhabi, will serve as a gateway for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and be incubated, enabling them to turn their ideas into actionable solutions. This move demonstrates WWT’s commitment to investing in the UAE, COP28, and positive climate action.
Amidst a global decline in climate tech investment, the UAE has experienced a remarkable 628% growth year-over-year since 2018, with $6 billion invested by 189 individual investors in regional climate tech over the last decade. Recognizing the UAE’s leadership in this field, WWT sees great potential in accelerating climate technologies in the region.
Food systems play a significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for an average of 34%. The UAE COP28 Presidency has prioritized food system transformation on its COP agenda. WWT’s AI capabilities can contribute to reducing emissions from food systems and driving efficiencies.
Dr. Abed Benaichouche, Founder of Open Innovation and Managing Director of WWT International, highlighted their mission to provide children and families across the UAE with information and motivation to adopt a healthy, climate-friendly diet. Through the AI for Good program, they aim to enhance UAE-based food security and education initiatives to boost the UAE Global Food Security Index rankings. Working with schools, they provide students with app-based climate, nutrition, and health advisors.
Carmel McConnell, MBE, author and founder of charity Magic Breakfast, joined WWT technologist Daniel Valle at COP28 to underscore the importance of AI for Good. Their speech was well-received by COP28 delegates, who expressed keen interest in upscaling and accelerating climate solutions.
Daniel Valle, Senior Vice President of Sales, GSP International at WWT, emphasized that securing funding is just the beginning for climate tech startups. Access to the right technological ecosystem is crucial for transforming innovative concepts into reality. WWT’s Advanced Technology Centre provides the necessary tools and platforms, fostering development, and accelerating adoption and commercialization by showcasing solutions to a broad customer base.
To learn more about the AI for Good program and express interest, visit WWT’s website.
In conclusion, WWT’s launch of the AI for Good initiative at COP28 aims to support one million climate tech entrepreneurs in driving sustainable innovation. By harnessing the power of AI, these entrepreneurs can tackle key climate challenges and contribute to a lasting legacy of positive change.
