Viamo, the platform that connects the disconnected, has secured $50,000 as one of the winners of the Moonshots for Development’s AI for Climate Resilience in Rural Areas Innovation Challenge.
Moonshots for Development is a partnership among the innovation labs of international financial institutions, CGIAR and the World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator to scout and scale AI-driven technologies that empower rural communities jointly.
The four finalists (Agpreneur, Farmer Lifeline Technologies, Boomitra and Viamo) pitched AI-driven technologies that empower rural communities and help them adapt to climate change and resilience.
Viamo pitched an AI-powered voice companion to bridge the digital divide for agriculture extension agents and farmers. It enables real-time interactions in local languages, providing instant, tailored information on climate-sustainable agriculture. With the “Ask Viamo Anything” feature, users with feature phones without the internet can access unlimited information.
The WFP Innovation Accelerator will sponsor Viamo for participating in its Sprint Programme. Additionally, the company was awarded IFAD funding of $ 50,000 and access to a personalised coaching programme.
The World Bank will offer AI technical support to the winning teams. IDB Lab will provide continued mentoring and technical support on the ethical and responsible use of AI through the IDB’s Group fAIrLAC initiative. Additionally, the winners can promote the successful replication and scaling of their innovative solutions across Latin America and the Caribbean using IDB Lab’s extensive regional network.
Source: Moonshot for Development
