1,000+ Opportunities
Find the right grant
Search federal, foundation, and corporate grants with AI — or browse by agency, topic, and state.
AIE uses rolling AIE Opportunity calls under the PA-25-03 announcement; no single deadline on this listing page.
AI Exploration (AIE) Program is sponsored by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). The DARPA AI Exploration (AIE) program supports high-risk, high-payoff projects where researchers work to establish the feasibility of new AI concepts within 18 months of award.
These opportunities use streamlined contracting procedures for rapid project kick-off and are aimed at shaping a future for AI technology where machines may serve as trusted and collaborative partners in solving problems of importance to national security.
Get a weekly digest of new grants like this
A free weekly digest of new foundation and federal funding opportunities as they're added to Granted. Unsubscribe anytime.
Or search similar grants →Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
DARPA-PA-25-03: Program Announcement for Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) – Office of the Vice President for Research Research Administration Units Communications & Outreach From the Desk of the AVPR Internal Funding for Researchers Faculty Small Grant Program (FSGP) Faculty Fellow Awards (FFA) – Reporting Portal Distinguished Research Awards (DRA) Research Instrumentation Fund (RIF) University of Utah Research Foundation (UURF) Interdisciplinary Research Initiative 1U4U Collaborative Seed Grant Program No-Cost Extension Request Instructions Your Questions Our Research Facilities and Administrative Distribution and Usage Powered by the University of Utah DARPA-PA-25-03: Program Announcement for Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIE) The mission of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is to make strategic, early investments in science and technology that will have long-term positive impact on our Nation’s security.
In support of this mission, DARPA has pioneered groundbreaking research and development (R&D) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for more than five decades.
Today, DARPA continues to lead innovation in AI research through a large, diverse portfolio of fundamental and applied R&D AI programs aimed at shaping a future for AI technology where machines may serve as trusted and collaborative partners in solving problems of importance to national security.
The AI Exploration (AIE) program is one key element of DARPA’s broader AI investment strategy that will help ensure the U.S. maintains a technological advantage in this critical area. Click HERE for full details.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Researchers from universities, research organizations, and small businesses. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
AI Exploration (AIE) Program accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no single fixed deadline. Check the official notice for any cycle-specific review dates.
AI Exploration (AIE) Program is funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) is sponsored by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) aims to determine whether it's possible to build a utility-scale quantum computer by 2033. It solicits research proposals in quantum benchmarking and is structured in three stages: concept description, R&D plan, and validation/co-design.
Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives (PICASSO) is sponsored by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). The PICASSO program aims to overcome fundamental physical limits preventing photonic integrated circuits from delivering large-scale computing advantages for artificial intelligence and other data-intensive workloads. It seeks innovative circuit-level design strategies to develop scalable photonic circuits with predictable system-level performance, focusing on continuous optical signal processing rather than incremental component improvements.
SBIR Phase I — US Small Business Innovation is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This program provides early-stage funding for highly innovative R&D projects, with active funding areas including blockchain for federal applications, decentralized identity, AI safety, and quantum computing. It is non-dilutive and open to US-based small businesses.
Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) is sponsored by Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA. This award supports the development of high-impact ideas that advance the understanding of kidney cancer and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes, with a focus on well-formulated, testable hypotheses and strong scientific rationale.
Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Patient-Centered Focus Area Award is sponsored by Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), Department of Defense. This award supports the exploration and development of impactful and innovative concepts under a patient-centered focus that could ultimately lead to major advancements in patients' overall quality of life.
DARPA's FY26 Release 6 carries seven SBIR and three STTR topics closing October 21, 2026. TRIAGE-X and ICU-in-a-Box are listed at $2 million each, CORPS at $750,000 — not Phase I feasibility money. Meanwhile DoW FY-27 Release 1 pre-released October 7 with 25 topics, zero of them DARPA's, and a new one-proposal-per-topic rule that took effect October 1. Here is how to read both calendars.
Read articleDPA26BZ06-DV023 is a Direct-to-Phase-II SBIR paying $700,000 over 18 months plus a $500,000 option. The physics demands 256x more transmit power than the systems that qualify you to compete, and DARPA will not accept modeling alone as proof. Here is the eligibility wall, the five engineering problems, and who can realistically win it before the October 21 close.
Read articleRelease 6's SBIR topics got the attention. Its three STTR topics — SHIELDER, fuel-flexible electric propulsion, and hypersonic wind tunnel noise diagnostics — are all Direct-to-Phase-II, all require a research institution to perform at least 30 percent of the work, and all close October 21, 2026. The feasibility gates are the real filter.
Read article