2025 AI x City Climate Action Hackathon at Climate Week NYC for Urban Climate Solutions, Hosted by the Global Covenant of Mayors and New York Climate Exchange

Two winning teams to be announced at the forum, unveiling AI-powered solutions that can transform energy access and accelerate city-led climate action.

New York City, New York (September 17, 2025) - On September 22, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) and The New York Climate Exchange (The Exchange) will host the 2025 AI x City Climate Action Forum at New York Climate Week. This hybrid event will bring together more than 300 city leaders, AI innovators, and sustainability experts from around the world for a full day of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and solution-building at the intersection of artificial intelligence and urban climate action.

Setting the stage for the day, Dr. Angel Hsu-a renowned leader on AI and city climate action-will deliver a keynote address exploring how artificial intelligence can accelerate urban sustainability and resilience. The program will also feature presentations from the private sector and C40 Cities. Attendees will participate in dynamic roundtable discussions and networking sessions designed to foster new partnerships and drive AI-driven climate solutions for cities.

At the heart of the event will be the Hackathon Finale, where two winning teams will be selected from a global pool of 20 finalists, pitching breakthrough AI-powered solutions in two challenge tracks: Expanding Energy Access & Alleviating Energy Poverty and City-led Climate Actio n. Prizes will recognize innovations with the greatest potential to deliver real-world impact and address some of the most urgent challenges facing cities today.

Each winning team will receive $15,000 in seed funding to further develop and pilot their solutions, along with a package of collaboration opportunities-including mentorship from leading organizations such as the Urban Transitions Mission, Hack for Earth, Cambridge University, and Tech to the Rescue. Eligible finalists will also be invited to the Build for Earth Acceleration Program, participate in a deep-dive hybrid workshop at the University of Cambridge with climaTRACES Lab, and receive pro bono support from impact-driven tech companies through the Tech To The Rescue AI for Climate Innovation Prize. Solutions ready for on-the-ground implementation will be paired with cities to help bring these ideas to life.

"Cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and the AI x City Climate Action Forum demonstrates the power of collaboration and developing innovative solutions that secure a healthy and resilient future for all. By convening partners across science, technology, policy, and practice, we're accelerating the measured, inclusive, and responsible development and deployment of AI solutions that can drive real change in urban communities," said Andy Deacon, Global Covenant of Mayors Co-managing Director.

"At the New York Climate Exchange, we're building a new global hub for climate innovation and engagement. Cities are living laboratories for climate progress, and we're excited to see the world's brightest minds collaborate and shape the future of urban resilience. This gathering is about more than technology - it's about empowering communities, challenging assumptions, and forging partnerships that turn climate ambition into real results," said Vicki Cerullo, Director of Urban Engagement at The New York Climate Exchange.

This year's event builds on the momentum of the 2024 Hackathon, which saw the winning team pilot its AI model in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The 2025 edition will continue to turn bold ideas into actionable, scalable projects for cities worldwide.

For more information and event updates, visit: https://www.innovate4cities.org/hackathon2025/

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About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM)

GCoM is the largest global alliance for city climate leadership, uniting a global coalition of over 13,000 cities and local governments and 100+ supporting partners. The cities and partners of GCoM share a long-term vision of supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and towards a resilient and low-emission society. GCoM serves cities and local governments by mobilizing and supporting ambitious, measurable, planned climate and energy action in their communities by working with city/regional networks, national governments, and other partners to achieve our vision. The coalition comprises cities across 6 continents and 146 countries, representing over 1 billion people or more than 13 percent of the global population.

To learn more about GCoM, please visit our website , or follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

About The New York Climate Exchange

The New York Climate Exchange ("The Exchange") is a new nonprofit designed to accelerate climate solutions. By leveraging the perspectives of a cross-sector network of diverse partners and New York City's global influence, The Exchange engages in cutting-edge research, delivers impactful education and training, hosts world-class convenings, and scales climate technology solutions. The Exchange is developing a state-of-the-art climate campus on Governors Island that will bring climate scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers under one roof-sparking the collaborations and breakthrough ideas we need to build a sustainable future. Learn more at nyclimateexchange.org .