Application Deadline: October 5, 2023
In an era marked by rapid advancements in technology, there is a growing awareness of the profound impact that artificial intelligence (AI) systems can have on our environment and society. From carbon emissions to resource extraction, AI's footprint is increasingly noticeable. However, the Mozilla Technology Fund (MTF) is stepping up to address these concerns. For the past two years, MTF has been a beacon of support for open-source projects aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing bias in the AI ecosystem. In 2024, they are taking their commitment a step further by inviting proposals at the intersection of AI and environmental justice, offering grants of up to $50,000 per project.
The Call for Proposals
The Mozilla Technology Fund (MTF) is excited to announce its 2024 Call for Proposals. This year, MTF seeks to fund open-source projects that bridge the gap between AI and environmental justice. With an application deadline of October 5, 2023, the initiative aims to catalyze innovation at the nexus of technology and environmental well-being.
Exploring the Intersection of AI and Environmental Justice
As the world grapples with environmental challenges, it's essential to consider how AI can contribute positively to addressing issues like environmental degradation, climate change, indigenous justice, food justice, and energy justice. MTF is keen to support projects that explore this exciting territory. Here are some of the project categories they are interested in funding:
- Mitigating Climate Impacts: Research has shown that AI systems have substantial carbon footprints and environmental impacts. MTF welcomes proposals that shed light on or take steps to reduce these impacts, including carbon emissions, water and electricity use, and the extraction of minerals for AI hardware.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: Can AI technologies be employed to catalog and analyze environmental degradation, pollution, land and water use, and other environmental factors? MTF is interested in projects that leverage AI for environmental assessment and advocacy for responsible resource management.
- Grassroots AI for Ecological Management: Are there AI systems that can empower communities to manage their resources and environmental safety effectively? These systems could assist with forest and wildfire management, biodiversity promotion, and agricultural product traceability, among other things.
- Combatting Climate Disinformation: With the proliferation of climate disinformation, MTF is looking for AI-based tools that help identify and combat false and misleading content about climate, ecology, land, and territorial rights.
Benefits of MTF Funding
The Mozilla Technology Fund offers awards of up to $50,000 each, along with one year of mentorship and support, to open-source projects. This support is invaluable for bringing your innovative ideas to life.
Eligibility
The MTF 2024 Call for Proposals is open to applicants worldwide, without restrictions based on geographic location or institutional affiliation, except where prohibited by law. To be eligible, applicants should:
- Have a product or working prototype in hand. In certain cases, projects at the idea stage may also be considered if the project team can demonstrate a successful track record in launching and building communities around similar projects.
- Already have a core team in place, including software developers, ecologists, AI researchers, designers, product/project managers, and subject matter experts, to support the project's development.
- Embrace openness, transparency, and community stewardship as a fundamental methodology.
- Make their work available under an open-source license.
Application Details
Applicants can expect a response within six weeks of submitting their proposals. If you have any questions or need clarifications, feel free to reach out to MTF at MTF@mozillafoundation.org. Remember, the application deadline for the MTF 2024 Call for Proposals is October 5, 2023, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
In these critical times, where the impact of technology on our environment is becoming increasingly apparent, MTF's commitment to funding innovative projects at the intersection of AI and environmental justice is a beacon of hope. If you have a vision for how AI can contribute to a more sustainable and just world, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Submit your proposal and be a part of the solution to pressing global challenges. Together, we can harness the power of AI for a greener, fairer future.
[ Submit your proposal - 20 Project Ideas for AI and Environmental Justice ]