Google DeepMind Unveils AI for the Planet Accelerator in Asia-Pacific

Google DeepMind has selected 16 environmental-AI projects across Asia-Pacific for its inaugural accelerator, AI for the Planet. The program aims to support startups and research teams in applying AI to climate and nature challenges. This week, participants will attend an in-person bootcamp in Singapore, followed by three months of virtual mentorship.

The selected projects focus on various aspects, including protecting nature and building climate resilience. For example, New Zealand's 800 Trust is using bioacoustics and AI-powered cameras to monitor biodiversity, while Indonesia's Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari links environmental degradation to disaster risk.

The accelerator also targets sustainable agriculture, with projects such as Indonesia's Edufarmers delivering pest, disease, and weather guidance to smallholders through messaging apps. Additionally, five projects address climate and carbon solutions, including Japan's Archeda verifying nature-based carbon credits from satellite data.