• Google launches its first AI for Nature Accelerator, supporting 15 startups using AI to combat biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental degradation.
• Startups span North and Latin America, offering solutions from wildfire detection to carbon market transparency.
• The initiative aligns with rising global economic risk—over half of global GDP is exposed to nature-related threats.

With over 50% of global GDP at risk from the ongoing decline of the natural world, Google is accelerating action by supporting high-impact startups using AI to restore, protect, and conserve ecosystems.

The company’s newly launched Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Nature is a 10-week program that provides mentorship, advanced technology, and ongoing support to early-stage companies. “Participants receive mentorship from Google experts, technical support, and access to Google’s advanced technology, including AI/ML, Cloud, and Maps,” Google noted in its announcement.

15 startups from North and Latin America have been selected for the first cohort. Their innovations address critical environmental issues—from biodiversity loss and wildfire risk to carbon market transparency and water purification.

“These companies are using AI and other advanced technologies to address some of our planet’s most pressing challenges,” Google stated. “We’re thrilled to announce the 15 startups selected for this program’s first-ever cohort.”

Key Participants and Solutions:

• Brightband (US) democratizes AI-powered extreme weather forecasting, aiming to mitigate $162 billion in annual economic losses.
• Ceres Seeding (Brazil) uses autonomous drones for fast, low-cost ecological restoration in hard-to-access areas.
• SenseNet (Canada) provides wildfire prediction and real-time response using a sensor-driven AI platform.
• Earthshot Labs (US) develops nature-based carbon projects and infrastructure to scale carbon markets globally.
• Abundance (Brazil) and Renoster (US) enhance carbon market transparency with AI and blockchain.

Other innovators include:

• OnDeck (Canada): AI for automated ocean video monitoring
• Toroto (Mexico): Nature-based solutions connecting carbon, water, and biodiversity
• Xatoms (Canada): AI and quantum chemistry for global water purification
• Savimbo (US): A social enterprise enabling Indigenous communities to access climate markets directly

Following the accelerator, all participants join Google’s alumni network, gaining extended access to expert insights, events, and technical support.

As environmental risks become financial risks, Google’s initiative highlights the business case for scaling climate-tech innovation.

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