The DPI for People and Planet Challenge is a pioneering global effort aimed at inspiring innovation, empowering a new generation of climate-tech creators, and identifying scalable solutions to address environmental and societal challenges. The initiative seeks not only early-stage ideas but also proven solutions that are already making an impact.

Launched through a collaboration involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Co-Develop, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI), and Boston Consulting Group (BCG)—and officially aligned with the COP30 presidency—this global call invites innovators to develop climate-focused solutions by leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

Unlike traditional contests, this challenge emphasizes high-priority climate applications and leads to a showcase at COP30, with the broader goal of catalyzing real-world implementations supported by international funders, developers, and DPI stewards in the months that follow.

The objectives of the challenge include:

• Designing actionable solutions that demonstrate how DPI can be adopted by governments or scaled by private enterprises to serve both people and the environment.

• Cultivating an active, global community of practice that can accelerate the DPI-for-climate movement.

• Building momentum for a growing global agenda at the intersection of DPI and sustainability.

Why DPI Matters for People and the Planet

The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) highlights a rapidly worsening climate crisis, with more than 3.6 billion people already at risk. Tackling this crisis requires tools that are efficient, equitable, scalable, and inclusive—qualities that Digital Public Infrastructure uniquely provides.

DPI refers to essential digital frameworks—such as identity systems, payments platforms, and data-sharing mechanisms—that function similarly to public utilities like roads or electricity, but in the digital domain. These systems are transforming how services reach populations and are proving crucial for climate response strategies.

DPI is increasingly being applied in key areas such as the transition to clean energy, sustainable mobility, disaster risk reduction, and agricultural adaptation. Notable examples include:

• Digital energy grids to support energy transitions

• Smart transport infrastructure, such as India’s digital transport stack

• Land validation systems in Brazil, using the Cadastro Ambiental Rural (CAR) to authenticate land use and streamline participation in carbon credit markets through verified ecological data

This challenge invites the world’s changemakers to harness the potential of DPI in building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is July 11, 2025.