Google Supports 15 Startups Focused on Environmental Solutions

Google has announced the first cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Nature program, a 10-week venture designed to support early-stage startups that are using artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to address critical environmental challenges. 

The program provides participants with access to mentorship from Google experts, technical support, and Google’s advanced platforms, including AI/ML, Cloud, and Maps. Upon completing the accelerator, startups will join Google’s alumni network and continue to receive ongoing support, including further access to mentorship, technology, and industry events.

The 15 startups selected for the first cohort are from North and Latin America and are focused on projects that aim to measure, monitor, protect, and restore natural ecosystems. These companies are leveraging AI and other technologies to address a range of environmental issues, including biodiversity loss, ecosystem restoration, and conservation.

Among the participants is Abundance, a Brazilian climate-tech platform that uses AI and blockchain to turn forests and carbon into verified digital assets. Bloom Alert, based in Chile, applies satellite technology and AI to enhance water production for desalination and mining operations. Brightband, a US startup, offers AI-driven tools to improve extreme weather predictions, aiming to reduce economic impacts caused by weather events. Ceres Seeding, also from Brazil, develops drone technologies for ecological restoration in hard-to-access areas, making restoration efforts quicker and safer.

Other notable participants include Earthshot Labs from the United States, which focuses on developing and financing global nature-based carbon projects. Ecotrace Solutions, based in Brazil, uses blockchain, AI, and IoT to ensure traceability in agribusiness supply chains. eDNA Explorer, US-based, integrates environmental DNA with geospatial data and AI to help conservationists manage ecosystems. Lastly, OnDeck, from Canada, automates video monitoring of oceans using AI to analyze footage without needing labeled data.