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Cisco Research runs a rolling university research funding program that supports academic work across AI/ML, computer vision, natural language processing, cybersecurity, quantum information processing, networking and distributed systems.
Several of the currently open calls target generative AI directly: Distributed Systems Security for Generative AI, Embodied AI, Enhancing Factuality and Reasoning in Generative AI Models, and LLM-Based Autonomous Systems. Awards are typically $50,000 to $100,000 and are made as unrestricted research gifts or sponsored research agreements, which means low administrative overhead and no intellectual property claim in the gift structure.
Cisco Research emphasizes open publication and encourages open-source release of resulting artifacts, and successful teams are frequently renewed with follow-on and multi-year funding.
Because submissions are accepted on a rolling basis through 31 December 2026 rather than at a single hard deadline, this is an unusually accessible source of flexible funding for faculty who want to start a generative AI research thread without waiting for a federal cycle. Proposals are submitted through the Cisco Research funding portal, and the program is open to faculty at universities worldwide, not only in the United States.
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Or search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: The applicant and the principal investigator listed on a proposal must each be a full-time faculty member or full-time research staff member at a university or other research institution. Students, adjunct faculty, and part-time faculty or staff may participate in the research and be named on the proposal but may not serve as principal investigator. The program is open to institutions globally. Proposals are submitted through the Cisco Research funding portal and inquiries can be directed to research@cisco.com. Cisco Research also requires the recipient institution to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or equivalent non-profit institution. Open RFPs are listed and submitted at cisco-research.versaic.com. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows individual awards typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 per project, structured as unrestricted research gifts or sponsored research agreements. High-impact teams may receive multi-year and follow-on funding beyond the initial award. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for Cisco Research Open Requests for Proposals for Generative AI, Embodied AI and LLM-Based Autonomous Systems are due December 31, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Cisco Research Open Requests for Proposals for Generative AI, Embodied AI and LLM-Based Autonomous Systems is funded by Cisco Research (Cisco Systems, Inc.). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
The LinkedIn Future of Work Fund 2026 is a global philanthropic grant initiative that doubled its commitment to $3 million for 2026 to help nonprofit organizations prepare young people for a rapidly changing labor market shaped by artificial intelligence. Building on the inaugural 2025 round, the fund provides unrestricted grants of $200,000-$300,000 to organizations demonstrating clear approaches to AI literacy and digital skills training, career pathways using AI-enabled tools, and workforce adaptability programs. The fund prioritizes organizations serving young adults aged 18-24 facing structural barriers to employment, with geographic focus on France, Germany, India, United Kingdom, and United States. Selected organizations receive monetary grants plus strategic assistance from LinkedIn's workforce development ecosystem. Applications are reviewed by LinkedIn's Social Impact team along with an external panel of workforce development and AI experts.
The Alibaba Cloud AI Catalyst Program supports AI-focused startups and global AI firms with comprehensive resources including up to $120,000 in lifetime cloud credits, 2 billion free Model Studio tokens for access to Alibaba's generative AI platform, 1:1 Office Hours with AI experts covering products, solutions, and infrastructure, POC coupons, and invitations to Alibaba Cloud events worldwide. The program is designed to help AI startups accelerate their growth with technical, educational, and networking resources. Applications are reviewed within 4-5 business days, and successful applicants are notified via email. The program provides access to Alibaba Cloud's GPU infrastructure including H100s in the Singapore region, making it particularly attractive for APAC-focused AI startups. The promotion period runs from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.
The 2026 Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) is an annual competition recognizing innovative solutions that address real community needs using AI, data, or cybersecurity technologies in Africa and the Middle East. The prize supports young entrepreneurs whose startups demonstrate tangible social and environmental benefits through digital innovation. The competition operates through a two-stage process: national selection in each of the 17 participating countries where Orange operates, followed by an international round for top prizes. Beyond financial awards (€25,000 first prize, €15,000 second, €10,000 third, plus a €20,000 Women's Prize), recipients gain significant visibility, networking opportunities with the Orange ecosystem, and mentorship to help scale their ventures. Projects are reviewed by Orange employees via the Orange Engage for Change internal platform. This is one of the few major competitions specifically targeting AI and data-driven social ventures in Africa and the Middle East.