What is the IBM Sustainability Accelerator? 5 Things Technology Partners Need to Know

The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is a pro bono program that serves nonprofit and governmental organizations globally. Those organizations, leveraging IBM's hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, support communities that are especially vulnerable to environmental threats -- such as climate change, extreme weather, and pollution.

Here's an FAQ that provides partners with more details about the IBM Sustainability Accelerator.

1. What are the accelerator's key areas of focus? As of December 2022, the accelerator has 10 active engagements across two topics: sustainable agriculture (2021) clean energy (2022). The accelerator's next topic will be announced in 2023.
2. What partners are involved in the accelerator: Key names to know as of December 2022 include Deltares, EWBF, Fundacion Plan 21, Heifer International, NetZero Atlantic, Sustainable Energy for All, Texas A&M Agrilife, The Nature Conservancy of India, UNDP and Miyakojima City.
3. How does IBM support selected organizations? The IBM Sustainability Accelerator supports each selected organization for up to two years. The engagement includes custom tools, scientific expertise, and mentorship while building community among the participants. Wherever possible, projects will be delivered with local resources, in local languages, and by local IBM employees, the company said. Participants also gain IBM Cloud and IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite Data APIs credits as well as technical mentorship.
4. Who can participate in the program? The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is open to organizations globally. Submissions are welcome from nonprofit and government organizations. For additional questions, contact csrgrant@us.ibm.com.
5. Where is more information available?: IBM publishes a deeper FAQ about the accelerator at the bottom of this web page.

In a prepared statement about the accelerator, Justina Nixon-Saintil (pictured above), VP of corporate social responsibility and ESG at IBM, said: "With the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, we are convening experts and using innovative technologies to help tackle the toughest environmental challenges our planet faces; and transitioning to clean energy is a critical step right now. With this new cohort, helping marginalized communities get just and equitable access to sustainable energy resources not only helps the world achieve the goal of UN SDG7, but can help in the larger global energy transition."

Related: Timeline of IBM sustainability news and milestones.