Airbus Foundation and Solar Impulse Foundation launch call for projects

The Airbus Foundation and Solar Impulse Foundation have launched a call for projects that respond to the following theme: “Harnessing aerospace capabilities for nature-based climate resilience: enhancing life on land and water.”

Climate change is a critical challenge for humanity. One that cannot be solved by working in isolation. That’s why two Foundations are joining forces by signing a three-year partnership aimed at driving global progress on sustainability by fostering innovation and collaboration.

On the one hand, you have the Airbus Foundation, which unlocks access to Airbus products and services, supporting NGOs and partner organisations to respond to humanitarian crises, natural disasters and environmental challenges, with a focus on strengthening resilience. In addition, the Airbus Foundation supports educators worldwide through developing quality educational resources, inspired by the aerospace industry and addressing complex societal challenges such as artificial intelligence.

On the other, you have the Solar Impulse Foundation, founded by Swiss explorer, innovator and environmentalist Bertrand Piccard. The Solar Impulse Foundation, named for the long-range solar-powered aircraft which circumnavigated the globe in 2016, brings to the table expertise in identifying, advising on, project managing and certifying nature-based projects to achieve the greatest impact. They also provide access to an extensive network of cleantech organisations and play an advocacy role in engaging with decision makers to promote sustainable policy change.

Launch of the call for projects

The first act of this partnership is a call for projects, with the following theme: “Harnessing aerospace capabilities for nature-based climate resilience: enhancing life on land and water.”

This theme is looking for projects that address multiple societal challenges. From climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as reforestation efforts, or protecting or restoring damaged ecosystems, to food security and human health concerns, the call for projects is looking to be inspired by nature-based solutions that provide human wellbeing and/or biodiversity benefits.

Projects that are selected will be able to benefit from Airbus products and services including satellite imagery from Pléiades Neo and SPOT satellites, as well as helicopter flight hours. It was a Pléiades Neo satellite that captured the image at the top of this story, showing the Valdecanas reservoir during a prolonged drought in Spain in August 2022.  

To help explore the intricacies of this powerful data, joining the two foundations is Space4Good, a team of impact-driven scientists, remote sensing and geographic information system experts, and software developers working alongside environmental and urban planners. The Space4Good team will provide technical guidance to the projects that are selected.

Finally, successful projects will benefit from € 10,000 in seed funding to accelerate their impact, as well as the additional visibility afforded to projects linked to the Airbus Foundation, Solar Impulse Foundation and Space4Good. They can also be “fast-tracked” to Solar Impulse Label benefits, unlocking access to market opportunities, funding, and industry experts and peers.

What’s next?

The call for projects launches on 1 April 2025, with the deadline for applications to the first phase a month later, on 2 May. Projects that successfully pass the first phase will be invited to progress to the next phase of consideration, with winners being announced later in 2025. The full timeline is available on the dedicated site for the call for projects alongside full details of the selection process, eligibility criteria, and the benefits afforded to the winning projects.

Big challenges need bold solutions. That’s why the Airbus Foundation and Solar Impulse Foundation have launched this initiative, to foster collaboration and innovative ideas, identify genuine, impactful climate solutions and support their development.