Companies are benefitting from £170,000 of Scottish government funding to use artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle the global climate emergency.
Six applicants have been chosen to develop AI-enabled technology through the Can Do Innovation Challenge Fund, managed by Scottish Enterprise.
Their projects include using AI to develop more-efficient food supply chains, an AI-based thermal-imaging service to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from homes, and a waste and resources map to identify recycling opportunities.
The successful applicants are: Glasgow-based technology and business consultancy Arceptive; Glasgow-based industrial automation firm Industrial Systems and Control; Edinburgh-based satellite data company Space Intelligence; Glasgow-based IES, a building performance analysis firm; Edinburgh-based ‘waste tech’ company Topolytics; and Glasgow-based satellite technology firm Trade in Space.
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 AI.
"The country 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, Scottish Enterprise economic development managing director (
www.scottish-enterprise.com), 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 change for our environment, economy and people.”