National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes | 23 610

Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 610

The National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes opportunity is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program designed to build and expand a nationwide network of large-scale AI research institutes that can support long-term, fundamental advances in artificial intelligence while also translating those advances into meaningful societal and economic impact. The program is grounded in the federal government s emphasis on sustained AI investment, as reflected in the 2023 update to the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan, which highlights long-term research investment as a top strategic objective. In practice, the Institutes are meant to serve as durable hubs that bring together interdisciplinary research teams, shared infrastructure, workforce and education efforts, and partnerships that accelerate progress on nationally important challenges.

A central idea behind this solicitation is that recent growth in computing power, access to massive and streaming datasets, and rapid progress in machine learning algorithms has positioned AI to reshape entire sectors, from healthcare and transportation to education and national security. NSF frames the Institutes as a cornerstone mechanism for maintaining US technical leadership by coordinating and scaling research efforts over multiple years, rather than funding isolated projects. The solicitation also notes alignment with recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI), which calls for a bold, sustained federal push to reinforce the foundations of AI leadership through coordinated funding and institutional capacity.

This is a multi-sector program led by NSF in collaboration with several major partners, including the Simons Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Defense Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R and E), Capital One Financial Corporation, and Intel Corporation. That partnership structure signals an intent to connect fundamental research with real-world deployment considerations, such as standards, security, and industry-relevant applications, while still keeping the Institutes anchored in open, long-term scientific and engineering goals.

For this round of funding, NSF is inviting proposals for Institutes organized around specific themes, split into two groups with different anticipated start years and timelines. Group 1 awards are anticipated to start in fiscal year 2024 and focus on Theme 1, AI for Astronomical Sciences, which targets transformational AI advances that can support astronomy and related data-intensive discovery. Group 2 awards are anticipated to start in fiscal year 2025 and include Theme 2, AI for Discovery in Materials Research, aimed at accelerating materials innovation and scientific discovery through AI, and Theme 3, Strengthening AI, which is oriented toward advancing the foundations and robustness of AI itself. Each group operates with its own proposal due dates and review schedule, and applicants are expected to follow the timeline specific to the theme group they choose.

Eligibility is limited to certain US-based organizations that can support education or research missions at scale. Eligible applicants include US located non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar entities that are directly tied to research or educational activities. Also eligible are US accredited institutions of higher education, including both two-year and four-year institutions such as community colleges, submitting on behalf of their faculty. If a proposal includes funding that would flow to an international branch campus of a US institution, whether directly or through subawards or consultants, the applicant must clearly explain why work at that location is beneficial and why the activities cannot be performed at the US campus.

From the funding details provided, this is a discretionary grant opportunity under NSF with an award ceiling of 20,000,000. The opportunity number is 23-610, and it is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with multiple CFDA program listings associated with NSF s broader research portfolios. The posting indicates an original closing date of 2024-05-17, though applicants should rely on the specific due dates tied to their chosen group and theme as described in the full program solicitation.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.074, 47.075, 47.076, 47.079, 47.083, 47.084.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-07-31.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 23 610

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