Cybersecurity Grant Program (OpenAI) is sponsored by OpenAI. OpenAI is looking for thoughtful, focused ideas at the intersection of AI and security, specifically where AI models fall short in security applications or new angles where AI could help. They prioritize projects with clear goals, methodology, and plans for sharing findings for maximal public benefit.

Cybersecurity Grant Program application | OpenAI OpenAI Cybersecurity Grant Program application We’re looking for thoughtful, focused ideas at the intersection of AI and security. Have you encountered cases where today’s AI models fall short in security applications? If so, show us the data that highlights those gaps.

Perhaps you see a new angle where AI could help in security. Sketch out how you’d like to explore that, especially if it touches on the priorities we’ve outlined. In our experience, a small, well-executed project tends to have more impact than something big but spread thin.

Clearly define your goals, methodology, and why your team is uniquely positioned to execute this project.

When you put your proposal together, cover the basics: Who’s involved, what you plan to do, when and where it will happen, and why it matters Let us know if you’ll create any new datasets Which AI models you want to use How you’ll make your results available to others An idea of the budget—including what you could accomplish with different levels of funding Once you’re happy with your plan, send it through our online form.

We look at proposals as they come in and will get in touch with teams that show a lot of promise, even if immediate funding isn’t possible. We’ve had thousands of applications in previous rounds and can’t respond to everyone. If you refine your idea later on, feel free to submit the updated proposal in full and mention it’s a revision.

Above all, we value collaboration and openness. We encourage teams to share findings early, connect with others, and help push the boundaries of AI in security. All projects should be intended to be licensed or distributed for maximal public benefit and sharing, and we will prioritize applications that have a clear plan for this.

Offensive-security projects will not be considered for funding at this time.

Step 1: Applicant Information If you’re applying as part of a corporate or academic team, please use that email address If there are other people working with you on this project, please list their names here, and what role they will play in the project If you wish to share existing datasets with us or your interest in collaborating does not fit neatly into the grant program, feel free to explain here.

If you are submitting data, please do not submit any datasets containing confidential information or information that may be considered personal data or personally identifiable information. Note: This form may not be routinely checked, so please use proper channels for time-sensitive issues. The complete project proposal in plaintext, no links or images.

Up to 3000 words max. What problem are you trying to solve? Clearly describe the problems or multiple problems you’re seeking to solve with your proposal.

200 words max. Link to a PDF version of the proposal, if necessary Please only link to a PDF proposal if the information is not in your project description. Link to relevant papers on which you’re an author List the links to published research papers and a brief description beneath them on why they’re relevant to this proposal.

E.g. “Month / Year – Milestone” Requested funding / API credits / resources needed * Please note if you’re applying for a full research grant or just API credits. Please justify your request clearly and explain how you will use the funds.

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that OpenAI Op Co, LLC (including its employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates) (“Recipient”) may currently or in the future develop, receive, or have access to ideas, concepts, proposals, or projects that are similar to or identical to the Applicant’s submitted project idea (“Submission”).

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Recipient from independently developing, funding, or implementing any such similar or identical projects. The Applicant further acknowledges that the Recipient does not assume any obligation of exclusivity with respect to the Submission and that any decision to fund or support a project shall be made at the Recipient’s sole discretion.