Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This NSF SBIR topic focuses on cutting-edge technologies in deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. It emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust against adversaries, privacy-preserving, and efficient. It also includes hardware technologies for sustainable AI, edge devices, and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems.

NASA SBIR/STTR for AI and Space Robotics Technologies is a grant from NASA that funds small businesses developing innovative technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space robotics in support of NASA missions. NASA's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs provide non-dilutive, competitive funding across multiple technology focus areas, enabling small companies to advance cutting-edge capabilities aligned with space exploration priorities. Eligible applicants are U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees that are for-profit, majority U.S.-owned, and independently operated; the principal investigator must be primarily employed by the applicant company. The application deadline is April 6, 2026.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office issued solicitation DARPA-PA-25-07-02 for the Compositional Learning-And-Reasoning for AI Complex Systems Engineering (CLARA) program on February 10, 2026. CLARA aims to develop high-assurance AI systems that tightly integrate machine learning (ML) and automated reasoning (AR) through hierarchical composition of Bayesian models, neural networks, and logic programs. The program seeks to create a theory-driven, highly reusable, scalable foundation for high-assurance AI by merging machine learning's speed and flexibility with automated reasoning's verifiability and logical explainability. Technical Area 1 (TA1) focuses on developing new high-assurance ML/AR composition approaches including theory, algorithms, and open-source software implementations. Technical Area 2 (TA2) creates a software composition library to integrate validated TA1 tools into a common framework. Application domains include course-of-action planning, multi-condition medical guidance, supply chain and logistics, autonomous systems and command & control, wargaming, and science and technology design. Awards are expected to be executed by June 9, 2026. Proposals must be submitted via the DARPA BAA Tool at baa.darpa.mil.

The European Commission and EuroHPC Joint Undertaking launched the Frontier AI Grand Challenge in February 2026, a flagship competition to train a frontier-class general-purpose AI model using Europe's world-class supercomputing infrastructure. The selected project will receive up to 2.5% of overall EuroHPC computing capacity for one year on one or more AI-optimised EuroHPC supercomputers—the largest single compute allocation ever offered to a European AI project. Models must have computational capacity equivalent to at least 400 billion parameters and use efficient, modular architectures such as Mixture-of-Experts (MoE). The initiative aims to close Europe's strategic gap in high-end AI by producing open models made widely available to public authorities, scientific communities, and businesses across Europe, supporting innovation in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and autonomous systems. Proposals must be submitted through the F6S platform by April 13, 2026. The competition is part of the broader AI Continent Action Plan and complements the InvestAI programme and EuroHPC AI Factories.

Advanced innovative solutions for improved competitiveness and sustainability in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: farmers are supported in their transition into innovative controlled environment farming techniques and decision support tools for sustainable growth optimisation strategies; the competitiveness and sustainability (including climate mitigation and adaptation) in controlled environment agriculture are improved benefiting all relevant actors. Scope: Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) refers to any form of agriculture that controls and optimises environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, light or nutrient concentration. Examples of CEA include greenhouses, vertical farms, grow rooms, building-integrated agriculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, as well as other innovative farming practices - both off land and land based - where technological advancements enable precise regulation of growing conditions farming. By developing innovative farming techniques that integrate the latest technological advancements including artificial intelligence (AI), this research should provide a competitive and sustainable transformation in response to global food security and sustainability challenges. Furthermore, it should also empower farmers and key stakeholders in the agricultural primary sector by enabling them to adopt sustainable, efficient, profitable, circular, and low-emission farming practices. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI-driven solutions, the activities should contribute to the overarching goals of climate neutrality and climate resilience, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to a sustainable agricultural future. Proposals should: develop and assess advanced cost-effective innovative and sustainable solutions (including nature-based solutions) to address the key challenges (including climate change related and environmental) for crop optimisation in CEA. The assessment should address, among other, crop health and yield, energy efficiency, water use efficiency, nutrient management, environmental conditions, cost-effectiveness, automation and technology integration, sustainability and environmental impact, food safety, pest and disease management, scalability and adaptability; develop data-driven decision-making smart automation and precision farming techniques, as well as predictive analytics for plant growth optimisation (e.g. via AI modelling); explore appropriate new business and cooperation models adapted to proposed solutions, taking into account organisation and distribution concepts, and marketability of the resulting products. Consider requirements from relevant EU regulatory frameworks including where relevant needs for pre-market authorisation; foster knowledge sharing including by training to test and adopt the innovative solutions, and informed advice for improved competitiveness and sustainability of CEA. Proposals should develop innovative solutions in both conventional and organic production systems. The projects under this topic are relevant to the EU policies related to the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Common Agricultural Policy, the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production [1] , the European Green Deal policies dealing with environment protection and climate change, and the Apply AI Strategy. Activities should fall under the concept of the multi-actor approach and allow for adequate involvement of relevant actors including farmers, SMEs, start-ups, scientists and developers. To effectively transition these innovations into the market, SMEs should actively be involved in this process. Activities are expected to achieve Technological Readiness Levels (TRL) 6-7 by the end of the project – see General Annex B. Proposals may involve financial support to third parties, particularly for SMEs providing and/or developing testing, or validating the proposed innovative technologies/solutions. A maximum 30% of EU funding should be allocated to this Programme areas: Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Areas, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness Keywords: Agricultural engineering, food safety, Agriculture related to crop production, applied plant biology, Artificial Intelligence & Decision support, Artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, multi agent systems, Climate change mitigation, Energy Efficiency, Environment, resources and sustainability, Glasshouse management, Greenhouse gases, Hydroponics, Irrigation management, Plant cropping systems, Plant nutrition, Precision agriculture, Resources efficiency, Sustainable innovation, Technological innovation, AI modelling, Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Decision support tools, Innovative sustainable farming techniques, Precision farming techniques

The DARPA CLARA program seeks to create high-assurance AI by tightly integrating machine learning with automated reasoning. Rather than the current industry approach of loosely coupling ML with reasoning as an afterthought, CLARA funds research into deep compositional integration that produces AI systems with strong logical explainability and computational tractability. The program targets applications in autonomous systems, command and control, kill web operations, supply chain logistics, wargaming, and medical, financial, and legal domains. TA1 funds development of new high-assurance ML/AR composition approaches including theory, algorithms, and open-source code. TA2 builds a software composition library that integrates validated TA1 tools into a common framework. All software deliverables must use permissive open-source licenses. The program is managed by Benjamin Grosof in DARPA's Defense Sciences Office. Solicitation DARPA-PA-25-07-02 was published February 10, 2026, with full proposals due April 17, 2026 (extended from April 10 via Amendment 1).

Metascience research grants: round two is sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) (Co-funders: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Coefficient Giving). This grant supports cutting-edge Metascience research into more effective ways of conducting and supporting research and development (R&D), including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the challenges of measuring research excellence.

Foundational Artificial Intelligence for the Moon and Mars (FAIMM) is sponsored by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This opportunity enables individual researchers to participate as members of teams designing science and exploration applications for large, general artificial intelligence (AI) models, known as Foundation Models (FMs), for the Moon and Mars.

PCORI's Cycle 2 2026 Improving Methods funding announcement includes a dedicated track for Methods to Improve the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Patient-Centered Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER). This track funds applications of AI/ML to augment or transform research methodologies or processes, and approaches using AI/ML to enhance health communication. Individual awards provide up to $750,000 in direct costs over 3 years. Letters of intent are due April 28, 2026, with invited full applications due September 1, 2026. PCORI's broader Cycle 2 2026 also includes Broad Pragmatic Studies (up to $12M per project, $120M total), Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research (PLACER), and retrospective observational studies tracks. All proposals must meaningfully engage patients and stakeholders in the research process. This represents a significant federal investment in validating and improving AI/ML methods for clinical research that directly impacts patient care decisions.

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.

Wisconsin Training for Resilient Advanced Industry Needs (WisTRAIN) employer grant program is sponsored by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) received $7.3 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor's Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund to launch the WisTRAIN employer grant program. This program will deliver employer-driven, occupational skills training focused on advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI), including areas like data analytics, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and robotics. It aims to prepare workers for jobs in high-demand and emerging industries. Grant applications are anticipated to open in May 2026 for eligible employers statewide.

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.

NASA Research Announcements (NRAs) for Research Opportunities in Aeronautics fund cutting-edge aeronautics research across universities, nonprofits, and industry. Awards support disciplines including advanced air mobility, supersonic flight, sustainable aviation, and autonomous systems. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, state and local governments, and for-profit organizations. Awards reach up to $500,000 annually with a maximum of $1.5 million over three years. NRAs are issued on a rolling basis with eligibility and scope varying by announcement, making this a key federal mechanism for advancing U.S. aviation competitiveness and safety innovation.

The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Office-Wide BAA (HR001125S0011) solicits innovative proposals for revolutionary defense platforms, systems, and manufacturing approaches. The TTO mission is to reimagine military hardware design, development, test, manufacture, and sustainment with a focus on rapid, affordable, and scalable deployment. Three focus areas are targeted: Design/Build/Buy (disrupting systems engineering and acquisition processes), Long Range Effects (enabling decisive military effects at tactical to strategic distances), and Disruptive Innovation (rapidly fielding novel engineering approaches that disrupt the battlefield). The Disruptive Innovation area specifically includes low-cost autonomous systems that use mass to overwhelm defensive systems, making this highly relevant for AI-driven autonomy and robotics companies. This BAA is distinct from DARPA's DSO and I2O office-wide BAAs which focus on basic science and information innovation respectively. TTO focuses on operational technology demonstrations and system prototyping.

DARPA's Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (HR001125S0011) solicits revolutionary defense platforms, systems, and manufacturing approaches. TTO organizes its interests around four thrust areas: Design/Build/Buy, Surge and Sustain, Long Range Effects, and Disruptive Innovation. The Disruptive Innovation thrust specifically targets low-cost autonomous systems that can use mass to overwhelm defensive systems, approaches that disrupt sensor-stealth dynamics, and capabilities that undermine adversary readiness. AI and autonomous systems feature prominently across all thrust areas. TTO is distinct from DARPA's I2O (software/information) and DSO (science) offices by focusing on physical systems, platforms, and tactical capabilities. Executive summaries are encouraged before full proposal submission to receive early feedback on relevance.

The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0011 solicits innovative executive summaries and proposals to demonstrate revolutionary defense platforms systems and manufacturing approaches that enhance the nation's ability to rapidly build adapt and sustain force structures. Focus areas include Design Build Buy using innovative approaches throughout the system lifecycle and Surge and Sustain for defense manufacturing. The Disruptive Innovation area includes low-cost autonomous systems that can use mass to overwhelm defensive systems. TTO develops technologies that give warfighters decisive advantages including autonomous ground air and maritime systems AI-enabled tactical decision-making and rapid prototyping of defense platforms. This is distinct from other DARPA office-wide BAAs covering DSO I2O and BTO as TTO focuses specifically on tactical autonomous systems and defense platform innovation.

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program addresses the talent shortfall in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity by welcoming proposals that focus on AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development. It includes a Scholarship Track to establish or continue scholarship-for-service programs with integrated AI and cybersecurity components, and an Innovation Track to support projects that enhance the preparation of AI and/or cybersecurity professionals. CyberAI refers to using AI in cybersecurity as well as providing security and resilience for AI systems.

The NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (TRAILBLAZER) program supports individual investigators who propose novel research projects with the potential to innovatively and creatively address new areas of fundamental or applied research, catalyze development of new industries or capabilities that increase the leadership position for the country, and/or make significant progress towards addressing a national need or grand challenge, particularly in current priority areas including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence (AI), bioengineering, quantum engineering, robotics, and nuclear engineering. TRAILBLAZER will support engineers and scientists who leverage their distinctive track record of innovation and creativity to pursue new research directions that are distinct from their previous or current research areas. All funded TRAILBLAZER projects will form an NSF TRAILBLAZER cohort, and principal investigators will be expected to participate in an annual meeting. TRAILBLAZER investigators may also be invited to additional activities. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR:The Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) Office will host an informational webinar in early calendar year 2026 to discuss the TRAILBLAZER program and answer questions about the FY 2026 TRAILBLAZER solicitation. Details on how to join this webinar will be posted on theDirectorate for Engineering and EFMA Websites. Funding Opportunity Number: 26-502. Assistance Listing: 47.041. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ST. Award Amount: $15M total program funding.

The Army Applications Laboratory DevX Autonomy program is a continuously open solicitation seeking advanced technology solutions related to autonomy and unmanned systems for the U.S. Army. The solicitation W911NF-26-S-0040 runs from December 30, 2025 through August 31, 2026, with monthly submission cutoffs evaluated on a rolling basis. Instead of traditional written proposals, vendors submit a 6-minute video pitch describing their solution, capabilities, and readiness. Subject-matter experts assess submissions against published criteria, and approved solutions become immediately available in a repository for government-wide award consideration. The program accepts submissions in seven categories: Platforms (ground, sea, and air autonomous systems), Payloads (sensors and communications), Mission-Enabling Solutions (human-system integration and mission planning), Lethal Capabilities, Sustainment Solutions (maintenance for autonomous systems), Subcomponents (motors, sensors, controllers), and Disruptive Innovations (transformative autonomy technologies). Strong solutions can move directly into contracting pathways without further competition.

PCORI Cycle 2 2026 Methods Funding Announcement specifically prioritizes Methods to Improve the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Patient-Centered Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER). The program funds studies addressing high-impact methodological gaps, with AI/ML topics including applications of AI/ML to augment or transform research methodologies or processes and approaches using AI/ML to enhance health communication. Additional priority areas include Methods to Support Use of Real-World Data in Multi-Site Patient-Centered CER and Methods to Improve Study Design. Awards provide up to $750,000 in direct costs for up to 3 years from a total program budget of $12 million. Applicants must address PCORI Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research, ensuring patients and stakeholders meaningfully contribute lived experience. Letter of Intent deadline is April 28, 2026, with full applications due September 1, 2026.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program supports the translation of open-source science and engineering-focused research products into safe and sustainable ecosystems that address national and societal challenges. Open-source tools such as software, hardware, machine learning models, languages, and data platforms are designed to be shared as they are publicly-accessible and modifiable. These tools spark innovation in critical fields as varied as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, banking, healthcare, research, education, next-gen manufacturing, mobility, and National security (including cybersecurity). PESOSE supports the creation of managing organizations for these ecosystems, ensuring strong governance, distributed development, and broad user communities across academia, industry, and government. PESOSE also supports enhancements to the safety, security, and privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (OSE) by addressing significant vulnerabilities, both technical and socio-technical, to improve the resistance of the ecosystem against threats. This solicitation seeks three types of proposals, allowing teams to propose specific activities to:1) scope and planthe establishment of an OSE, 2)establishand expand a sustainable OSE based on a robust, promising open-source product that meets an emergent societal or national need, and 3) improve the safety, security, and privacy of an existing OSE and its products. Funding Opportunity Number: 26-506. Assistance Listing: 47.041,47.049,47.050,47.070,47.074,47.075,47.076,47.084. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ST. Award Amount: $40M total program funding.

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Long Range BAA (N00173-24-S-BA01) supports basic and applied scientific research to enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps. NRL is the Navy's corporate laboratory and conducts research across a comprehensive range of science and engineering disciplines. AI and autonomous systems are specifically included as priority research areas, encompassing machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, autonomous navigation, human-machine teaming, and intelligent decision support systems. The BAA uses a two-step process: white papers are accepted on a rolling basis through September 30, 2026, with full proposals invited only after favorable white paper review. This BAA is distinct from the ONR Long Range BAA — NRL is a separate research laboratory with its own solicitation, focused more on in-house laboratory collaboration and technology transition rather than broad academic research funding. NRL research areas also include acoustics, materials science, space science, and electronic warfare, creating opportunities for AI applications across multiple scientific domains.

ONR Long Range BAA for AI and Autonomous Systems is a grant opportunity from Office of Naval Research that funds basic and applied research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems in support of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps missions. The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a streamlined mechanism for soliciting innovative research that advances the state-of-the-art or increases scientific knowledge, rather than targeting a specific system or hardware solution. Individual awards range from $100,000 to several million dollars, depending on project scope. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, industry, and nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity to perform relevant research. The current solicitation period runs through September 30, 2026.

The Office of Naval Research Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA N00014-25-S-B001) is ONR's primary solicitation for basic and applied research proposals, accepting submissions on a rolling basis through September 30, 2026. ONR's AI priorities center on autonomous maritime systems, human-machine teaming, and machine learning for sensor fusion. Individual awards typically range from $100,000 for exploratory research to $2 million for larger applied programs. The BAA covers all ONR science and technology departments, with AI-related research falling under key areas including ocean battlespace sensing, command-decision-superiority, and warfighter performance. This is the broadest entry point for academic researchers and companies seeking ONR funding for AI and autonomous systems research, complementing the more targeted Young Investigator Program and MURI solicitations.

The European Innovation Council Pathfinder Challenge on Physical AI funds visionary research in embedded intelligence for autonomous robotics at the earliest technology readiness levels (TRL 1-3). Awards of up to EUR 4 million support projects exploring how AI can be physically embedded into robotic systems to achieve truly autonomous behavior in unstructured real-world environments. The challenge focuses on embodied intelligence — AI systems that learn and adapt through physical interaction with their environment rather than purely through data-driven approaches. Unlike most EU programmes, the EIC Pathfinder does not require large consortia, making it accessible to individual researchers, small university teams, and startups pursuing breakthrough concepts. This ARPA-style programme emphasizes high-risk, high-reward research that could fundamentally reshape autonomous robotics. The deadline is October 28, 2026. This is distinct from the EIC Pathfinder DeepRAP Challenge (focused on reasoning, abstraction, and planning in cognitive AI) and from Horizon Europe robotics calls that target higher TRL levels.

The DARPA Information Innovation Office (I2O) FY2026 Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA HR001126S0001) is the widest entry point for AI researchers with breakthrough ideas that do not fit a specific named DARPA program. I2O is DARPA's home for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomy, and information science research. Released November 28, 2025, this BAA solicits innovative research concepts across the full spectrum of AI and information technology, including machine learning, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, natural language processing, computer vision, human-AI teaming, and novel computing architectures. Proposal Abstracts are due by November 1, 2026, and Full Proposals by November 30, 2026. This BAA is distinct from other DARPA office-wide BAAs (STO, TTO, BTO, DSO) and specifically targets the information and AI research space. It enables researchers from academia, industry, and small businesses to propose bold, high-risk high-reward ideas directly to DARPA without waiting for a named program solicitation.

I2O Office-Wide BAA is sponsored by DARPA Information Innovation Office (I2O). This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeks revolutionary research ideas for topics not currently addressed by ongoing I2O programs or other published solicitations, with a focus on proficient artificial intelligence (AI) to advance the state of the art, apply AI to national secu…

Transforming Science and Energy with AI is sponsored by Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC). This program seeks applications from interdisciplinary teams to accelerate scientific discovery and research and development (R&D) workflows using novel artificial intelligence (AI) models and frameworks. While broad, research in graph learning and spectral network diffusion dynamics could contribute to AI advancements in scientific domains relevant to energy and other critical areas.

DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (HR001125S0011) solicits innovative proposals for revolutionary platforms and systems across four thrust areas: Design/Build/Buy (rapid prototyping and manufacturing of defense systems), Surge and Sustain (scaling production and maintaining systems), Long Range Effects (extended reach weapons and capabilities), and Disruptive Innovation (including low-cost autonomous systems that can use mass to overwhelm defensive systems). The BAA seeks compelling hardware demonstrations at scales that show disruptive capability while managing complexity and reducing risk and cost. Executive summaries are accepted on a rolling basis through April 17, 2026, with full proposals accepted through December 22, 2026. This office focuses on unmanned systems, autonomous vehicles, AI-enabled tactical platforms, and novel system architectures. The FY2026 defense budget earmarks $13.4 billion for AI and autonomous systems.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas, including Agriculture Systems and Technology, to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture. It covers sustainability, climate-smart agriculture, and innovative technologies, and is open to a wide range of organizations, including businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits. The program specifically funds AI activities that enhance the ability of computer systems to perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence, such as machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, intelligent decision support systems, and autonomous systems, as well as novel applications of these techniques to agriculture and food production.