In Kenya, Mercy Corps Ventures and Farm Star piloted a mobile-based solution delivering AI-powered weather forecasts and farming advice to smallholder farmers. Reaching 63 farmers—70% of them women—the pilot saw 80% reporting higher yields, with 97% applying the guidance received. Results point to strong demand and potential for scale, especially as 80% of participants lacked good alternatives.

This call for proposals invites early‑stage startups to join Mercy Corps Ventures’ Ventures Lab in tackling financial exclusion through AI. With up to $50,000 in equity‑free funding, we’re looking for solutions that expand access to credit, insurance, savings, and remittances for unbanked, climate‑vulnerable populations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Apply by December 1, 2025.

As climate-driven water challenges intensify, Mercy Corps Ventures launched a global call to fund tech solutions improving water efficiency, access, and infrastructure for vulnerable communities. We received 243 applications from 48 countries—uncovering powerful trends in innovation across AI, IoT, purification, smart irrigation, and more. This blog shares what we learned and where the most promising solutions are emerging.

Mercy Corps Ventures is partnering with Satellites on Fire to pilot an AI-powered wildfire prediction model in Misiones, Argentina. Using satellite imagery, real-time data, and local knowledge, it will forecast fire spread to enable faster response, protect ecosystems, and build climate resilience.