Project funding drives AI solutions to climate change
While some might dispute it, the cause of these weather patterns - as well as Australia’s terrifying season of devastating heatwaves, deadly floods and even severe snow - is the changing climate.
The latest scientific evidence suggests problems are getting worse, and may even be doing so faster than even the worst predictions. As the world looks for a solution, the Scottish Government has turned to a funding scheme that has driven innovation in everything from robotics to online casino.
They recently awarded £17000 to six Scottish projects looking at developing AI-enabled technological solutions to the problems posed by climate change.
The money is being used to back a range of ideas, with projects including using AI to develop more efficient food supply chains, an AI-based thermal imaging service to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from households and a waste and resources map to identify recycling opportunities for waste and by-products.
The six companies that have won funding are technology and business consultancy Arceptive, industrial automation firm ISC, building performance analysis company Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), Space Intelligence, waste tech firm Topolytics and Trade in Space.
The money will help each of the applicants take an idea forward, with the winning bidders having ten weeks to present their progress for second phase funding, which will ultimately lead to more viable projects that could have a huge bearing on how Scotland, and the world, tackles climate change.
Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes said: “Scotland was one of the first countries in the world to acknowledge that we are facing a global climate emergency and we will do everything we can to make a difference.
“Our commitment to meeting ambitious emissions targets makes it vital that we develop new technologies – including harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence.
“Scotland has a proud tradition as a leader in technical innovation and is home to a huge array of companies pushing the boundaries of what is possible. I am excited to see what they produce with the support of this fund.”
Linda Hanna, MD for Scottish Economic Development at Scottish Enterprise, said:
“This challenge fund calls on our most innovative companies to apply leading-edge technology in tackling one of the biggest challenges facing mankind.
“It’s inspiring to see ingenuity and passion from Scotland’s business base, alongside the talent that makes us such a highly competitive business location. We look forward to working with these companies as they examine the potential of AI to make a lasting, positive change for our environment, economy and people.”
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