Innovative Research in Cancer Nanotechnology (IRCN; R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI). This NOFO encourages applications promoting transformative discoveries in cancer biology and/or oncology through the use of nanotechnology. It specifically mentions the integration of modeling and simulation approaches to guide rational nanomaterial design and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modeling to aid rational drug design. This directly relates to personalized medicine and cancer treatment, though the primary focus is nanotechnology.

The Department of Defense FY2026 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) provides funding for U.S. universities to acquire research equipment and instrumentation in areas important to national defense, including AI and machine learning hardware. The program is administered jointly by the Army Research Office (ARO), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), with approximately $34 million available and 95 awards anticipated. DURIP funds the acquisition of specialized computing hardware for AI/ML research (GPU clusters, TPUs, neuromorphic processors), robotics and autonomous systems testbeds, sensor arrays and data collection systems for machine learning training, high-performance computing infrastructure for defense-relevant AI research, and laboratory equipment for human-AI interaction studies. The program specifically supports equipment that enhances research-related education in DoD-priority disciplines. While general-purpose computing is not eligible, computing equipment directly supporting DoD-relevant AI research programs qualifies. No cost sharing is required.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science Request for Applications (AI components) is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This program supports AI activities that advance the ability of computer systems to perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence within agriculture and the food supply chain. This includes machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, intelligent decision support systems, and autonomous systems for agricultural and food production.

CIFAR and the Canadian AI Safety Institute fund Catalyst Project proposals addressing sociotechnical considerations in AI safety. The program supports interdisciplinary research in machine learning applications to science and society, with recent funded projects spanning misinformation combat, trustworthy language models, democratic alignment of AI systems, Indigenous AI governance, and real-world safety in autonomous systems. Designed to catalyze new research areas and collaborations at the intersection of social sciences, humanities, and AI safety.

Coefficient Giving Request for Proposals: AI Governance is a grant opportunity from Coefficient Giving that funds research and projects aimed at reducing catastrophic risks from advanced artificial intelligence. The program supports work across six subject areas: technical AI governance, policy development, frontier company policy, international AI governance, law, and strategic analysis and threat modeling. Strong proposals address scenarios where AI could cause large-scale harm — including misuse by bad actors or loss of control over autonomous systems. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations from academia, nonprofits, industry, or independent settings worldwide. Award amounts are not publicly specified but grants are evaluated on a rolling basis and may be co-funded by Good Ventures and over 20 additional philanthropists. The January 25, 2026 deadline has passed; future rounds are anticipated.

AI for Health Seed Funding Program is sponsored by AI for Health Institute and Washington University in St. Louis Research Development Office. This program supports innovative and interdisciplinary research leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address critical challenges in health. It aims to catalyze collaborations across AI and health domains to solve significant health problems with advanced AI technologies.

Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR/STTR BAA & CSO Release 5 is a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Program that funds innovative research and development by U.S. small businesses addressing specific defense technology needs across military departments and agencies. The program releases multiple topic areas per cycle through Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) and Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO), covering areas such as advanced materials, sensors, software, and autonomous systems. Eligible applicants are U.S. small business concerns; both Phase I proposals and Direct-to-Phase II proposals are accepted. Awards are typically up to $250,000 for Phase I and up to $2 million for Direct-to-Phase II. The most recent deadline was March 25, 2026.

The USDA NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Strengthening Agricultural Systems (SAS) program awards large-scale integrated research, education, and extension projects addressing complex agricultural challenges. USDA anticipates awarding 10-12 grants ranging from $2.5 million to $10 million per award. The program supports projects incorporating AI, machine learning, and data science to strengthen food production, agricultural sustainability, and rural community resilience. Projects may address precision agriculture, autonomous systems, climate-smart farming, supply chain optimization, and workforce development in agricultural technology.

Request for Applications: Emerging EdTech Solutions is sponsored by Rainwater Charitable Foundation. This RFA seeks to empower educators and innovators to develop scalable strategies integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to improve student outcomes in mathematics and reading. It fosters collaboration among educators, edtech developers, and community stakeholders.

Genesis Mission National Science and Technology Challenges is sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, Office of Environmental Management, Office of Nuclear Energy, Office of Electricity, and Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Office. This NOFO invites applications from interdisciplinary teams addressing the Genesis Mission National Science and Technology Challenges to accelerate scientific discovery and research and development (R&D) workflows using novel artificial intelligence (AI) models and frameworks.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This SBIR/STTR topic focuses on cutting-edge technologies in deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. It emphasizes next-generation AI that is safe, reliable, fair, robust, privacy-preserving, and efficient. It includes novel AI hardware, edge devices, and AI technologies for better hardware systems. The NSF seeks high-risk technical innovations with significant commercial and societal impact.

Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education - Phase 2 Implementation Grants is sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc.. This initiative aims to help Indiana colleges and universities consider the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) and develop strategies to improve students' educational opportunities and outcomes in an AI-shaped future. Phase 2 Implementation Grants support proposals for developing new or enhancing existing strategies related to AI.

AI for Information Security - Amazon Research Awards is sponsored by Amazon. The Amazon AI Research Grant Program supports advanced research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and information security (cybersecurity), aiming to strengthen secure AI systems, improve cyber threat detection and response, advance trustworthy AI models, and enhance cloud and infrastructure security.

Examining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Healthcare Safety (R18) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH). The purpose of this NOFO is to invite grant applications that support healthcare safety by determining (1) whether and how certain breakthrough uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can affect patient safety; and (2) how AI systems can be safely implemented and used.

Examining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Healthcare Safety (R18) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This funding opportunity invites grant applications to determine how breakthrough uses of AI systems can affect patient safety and how these systems can be safely implemented and used in healthcare.

NASA SBIR/STTR Phase I Topics is sponsored by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA's SBIR/STTR program funds deep tech startups. Robotics plays a crucial role in space exploration, planetary research, and autonomous systems for spacecraft and ground operations, making this a relevant opportunity for robotics innovations with aerospace applications.

NASA's 2026 SBIR Phase I program, restructured as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) model, includes multiple AI and autonomy-focused subtopics for small businesses developing innovative space technologies. Key AI-relevant topics include Autonomous Onboard Health Management for Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems (EXPAND.3.S26B), Fault Management Technologies for Autonomous Systems (INSITU.1.S26B), Robotic Mobility Manipulation and Sampling for planetary exploration (INSITU.3.S26B), and High Performance Onboard Computing (ENABLE.2.S26B). Phase I awards of $150,000 support 6-month feasibility demonstrations. The 2026 program uses a new BAA structure releasing subtopics through multiple appendices (Appendix A and Appendix B), replacing the previous single annual solicitation. Proposals are submitted through SAM.gov.

Examining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Healthcare Safety (R18) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) / Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This funding opportunity supports research on the impact and safe implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare to improve patient safety.

Open Source AI Model for Tutoring (EDU AI) is sponsored by Gates Foundation. This grant funds the creation of open-source, K-12 education-specific Artificial Intelligence (AI) model(s) and supporting research artifacts to enable AI math tutoring that is as effective as human experts. It aims to address an unmet need in available AI models for students, teachers, education technology providers, researchers, and AI model developers in the US.

Examining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Healthcare Safety (R18) is sponsored by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) intends to support healthcare safety by determining whether and how certain breakthrough uses of AI systems can affect patient safety, and how AI systems can be safely implemented and used.

State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, Round 4 (SAEF4) - ETA-TEGL-08-25 is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA). This program provides direct formula funding to states and territories to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs. The funding supports apprenticeship expansion in critical and high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, nuclear energy infrastructure, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, domestic mineral production, and information technology. States must commit to setting statewide expansion goals, reserving funds to directly support employers and apprentices in priority industries, and leveraging resources.

Career Pathways Exploration Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) - Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). This program supports efforts to provide elementary and secondary school students with increased career exploration opportunities in high-demand fields, including artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, nuclear energy, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and information t…

AI-Enabled Optimization of Early-Phase Clinical Trials Pilot Program; Request for Information is sponsored by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this request for information to solicit input on a proposed pilot program to assess how artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies can improve efficiency, speed, and quality of decision-making in early phase clinical trial…

This DoD SBIR Phase I topic seeks runtime monitoring systems that detect and mitigate errors in AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aerial platforms, ensuring safe flight and mission execution. The system must identify faulty autonomous decisions in real time and trigger corrective actions to maintain operational safety. As autonomous unmanned platforms become central to Air Force operations, ensuring that AI decision-making remains reliable and recoverable during mission execution is a critical safety requirement. The runtime assurance system should monitor AI outputs against defined safety boundaries, detect anomalous autonomy behavior, implement graceful degradation when AI systems malfunction, and provide real-time logging for post-mission analysis. This technology is essential for building the trust and reliability needed to deploy autonomous systems in contested and complex environments. Part of DoD SBIR Release 26.2, this topic addresses the Air Force's need for verified and validated autonomy that can be trusted for operational deployment. Successful Phase I performers may compete for Phase II prototype development funding.

Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual learning Hubs (NExT AI Hubs) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) / Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). This Centers program seeks research on understudied, highly innovative, and high-risk topics related to the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on developmental outcomes in children at risk for, or diagnosed with, specific learning disabilities (SLD) impacting re…

Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual learning Hubs (NExT AI Hubs) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). This initiative seeks to advance NICHD's mission through a Centers program carrying out research on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on developmental outcomes in children at risk for developing, or who have been diagnosed with, a specific learning disability (SLD) impacting reading, writing, and mathematics.

Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual Learning Hubs (NExT AI Hubs) is sponsored by Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) - NIH. This initiative seeks to advance NICHD's mission through a Centers program that will carry out research on understudied, highly innovative, and high-risk research topics related to the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on developmental outcomes in children at r…

Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual Learning (NExT AI) Hubs is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). This initiative will establish Centers to research the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on developmental outcomes in children at risk for, or diagnosed with, specific learning disabilities impacting reading, writing, and mathematics. The program supports understudied, highly innovative, and high-risk research topics.

The AWS Imagine Grant 2026 supports US-based nonprofit organizations leveraging cloud technology and AI to accelerate their missions. The program offers three distinct award tracks. The Pathfinder Award is designed for organizations with strong data practices that are building frontier AI applications including generative AI, agentic AI, and autonomous systems, providing up to $200,000 in unrestricted cash plus $100,000 in AWS credits with implementation support from the AWS Generative AI Innovation Center. The Go Further, Faster Award supports innovative cloud projects with up to $150,000 cash and $100,000 credits. The Momentum to Modernize Award helps organizations modernize their infrastructure with up to $50,000 cash and $20,000 credits. Since 2018, AWS has distributed over $21 million in grants through this program. The two-round selection process evaluates Round 1 applications before inviting finalists to submit full proposals.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). TechAccess: AI‑Ready America is a national-scale initiative to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness and adoption across the U.S. by strengthening coordination, leveraging partnerships and resources, filling gaps, and scaling what works—so local and state priorities can lead in shaping an AI-driven economy that benefits all Americans. Unlike initiatives centered around K–16 education, AI‑Ready America additionally reaches businesses, public-serving organizations, and individuals, among others, expanding access to AI knowledge, tools, and resources. The program also emphasizes practical implementation through hands‑on assistance and workforce upskilling, including experiential learning such as internships, project‑based work, and apprenticeships, to ensure stakeholders can effectively apply and innovate with AI. The program supports: (1) State/Territory Coordination Hubs (Coordination Hubs) – one in every state, the District of Columbia (DC), or territory in the United States – connecting partners, strengthening planning and deployment, and rapidly scaling approaches; (2) A National Coordination Lead (National Lead) – facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among Coordination Hubs, coordinating priority economic sectors, and informing national AI strategies; and (3) AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions – a series of topic-driven competitions issued over the course of the program to pilot and scale innovative approaches that address critical national AI readiness needs. This funding opportunity focuses on Coordination Hubs. The National Lead will be funded as an Other Transaction (OT) offered through an Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering. AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions will be announced through an NSF-approved mechanism, with proposals submitted according to the instructions provided at the time of announcement. TechAccess: AI-Ready America. Program guideline: NSF 26-508. Upcoming due date listed in NSF feed.