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The National Science Foundation has emerged as the primary federal funder of foundational AI research, investing over $700 million annually across its directorates. The National AI Research Institutes program is the flagship, with 25 institutes funded at $10-$20 million each over five years covering topics from trustworthy AI to AI-augmented learning and AI for agriculture.
The National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot provides researchers with access to computing, data, and software needed for AI research, addressing the resource gap between well-funded industry labs and academic researchers. NSF's ExpandAI program specifically builds AI research capacity at minority-serving institutions and emerging research institutions.
Additional NSF AI funding flows through the CISE directorate ($1 billion+), the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP), and cross-cutting programs like Smart and Connected Communities and Cyber-Physical Systems. CAREER awards with AI focus are highly competitive and carry significant prestige.
National AI Research Institutes
Large-scale institutes ($10M-$20M over 5 years) advancing AI research in specific domains — agriculture, education, climate, healthcare, and foundational methods.
Browse grants →NAIRR Pilot
National AI Research Resource providing computing infrastructure, datasets, and tools access for academic AI researchers at institutions of all sizes.
NSF ExpandAI
Capacity-building grants for AI research at minority-serving institutions and emerging research universities. Partnerships with established AI research centers.
NSF CISE Core AI
Core programs in the CISE directorate funding AI/ML, computer vision, NLP, robotics, and human-AI interaction research. Individual grants $100K-$600K.
46 matching grants · showing 30
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The NAIRR Pilot is a public-private initiative connecting U.S. researchers and educators to advanced computational and data platforms, datasets, software, AI models, and technological expertise to accelerate AI-driven discovery and innovation. While broad in scope, research into trustworthy AI, human-AI interaction, and the societal implications of AI (including in sectors like hospitality and tourism) would be relevant.
Artificial Intelligence Grant – NSF SBIR is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF SBIR Artificial Intelligence 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, privacy-preserving, and efficient. This includes novel AI hardware, sustainable AI for low-resource environments, and technologies for trustworthy AI.
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.
NSF ACCESS (Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services and Support) provides access to dozens of high-performance computing systems including GPU clusters at no cost for academic research and education. The program replaced XSEDE in 2022 and offers tiered allocation levels from small-scale pilot experiments to large-scale research campaigns. Recent hardware upgrades through the NAIRR Pilot added NVIDIA H100 GPUs at multiple sites. Particularly valuable for AI/ML researchers needing GPU time for model training, inference, and large-scale experiments without existing funding.
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). Led by NSF, this initiative advances U. S. AI leadership and AI-enabled scientific discovery by expanding access to advanced AI research resources through the NAIRR portal and coordinated allocations, including deep collaboration opportunities with private sector partners.
The National AI Research Resource Pilot provides free access to computational resources, datasets, pre-trained AI models, platforms, tools, and educational resources to democratize AI research. Led by NSF in partnership with 13 federal agencies and 28 industry partners (including Microsoft contributing $20 million in Azure credits and NVIDIA providing GPU resources). Rolling applications accepted monthly with a Start-Up track offering 2-week turnaround for getting started. Projects span AI methods for scientific discovery, AI interpretability, AI-enabled automation, applying AI to sensitive data, integrating simulations with AI, creating open-source AI tools, and training the next generation AI workforce.
The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is a program from the National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy that provides researchers with access to advanced AI computing infrastructure, software, data, models, and educational resources. NAIRR is a national-scale infrastructure designed to accelerate AI-powered scientific discovery, expand the AI workforce, and advance AI interpretability and security. Since its pilot launch in 2024, it has supported over 600 research projects and 6,000 students across all 50 states. Resources include supercomputer node hours and other computing allocations. Eligible applicants are scientists and researchers at academic institutions and other research organizations with computationally demanding AI research needs.
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Grant is a program from NSF and DOE that provides scientists conducting computationally demanding AI research with access to advanced computing resources, software, data, models, educational materials, and expertise. Rather than direct cash awards, the program allocates computational resources such as supercomputer node hours — past awards have included 10,500 node hours. NAIRR aims to accelerate AI and AI-powered discovery, broaden access to AI tools, and expand the AI-ready workforce across U.S. research and education communities.
Innovative AI for Climate Research is a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds artificial intelligence research and development across science, engineering, and climate-related fields. NSF invests over $700 million annually in AI, supporting fundamental research, workforce development, regional innovation, and translation of AI discoveries into practice. Programs include SBIR/STTR seed funding for startups, foundational computer science research, cyber-physical systems, and the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR). Eligible applicants include nonprofits, research universities, small businesses, and other research institutions. Award amounts are open and vary by program; no single deadline applies.
NSF AI Research Institutes is a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds the development of new AI research institutes focused on themes of national importance, including AI for astronomical sciences, AI for discovery in materials research, and new methods for strengthening AI. This multisector program is led by NSF in partnership with the Simons Foundation, NIST, the Department of Defense, Capital One, and Intel Corporation. Eligible applicants include universities and research institutions. Each theme has distinct funding cycles and review timelines. Institutes are expected to advance AI research and development across sectors including healthcare, national security, transportation, and education. Grant amounts vary by theme and award scope.
Foundations for Operating the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource: the NAIRR Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). _large_image" /> window.a2a_config=window.a2a_config||{};a2a_config.callbacks=[];a2a_config.overlays=[];a2a_config.templates={}; NSF 25-546: Foundations for Operating the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource: the NAIRR Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation {"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/120178","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"gtag":{"tagId":"","consentMode":false,"otherIds":[],"events":[],"additionalConfigInfo":[]},"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJyNkA1qBCEMhS-k45GGqBnXrhpJYtvp6esuu6U_IAV5vDw-kxCIUQna6eBhtoOpqQlUCnTJvlC4ukCM5ibT1U4Nm8rW5Nj1ghWthYKsK8AzQgw8qpd_YjYr1hUbKYw6Q5vbQSsw0av10BryiiqUll065zmr5HZdUYw6uFml-boJDB8npuSexiSiVHBXSC5N-V1v8ALvP8Nqvto7oZJDVtBMTb7lSiNcOs0FxQiFDGWvGDPst3XF_Y22-z8jp8wjOw-CZshbFBd5dCiP4q6fZuXTCQ","theme":"nsf_theme","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":[],"gtm":{"tagId":null,"settings":{"data_layer":"dataLayer","include_classes":false,"allowlist_classes":"google\nnonGooglePixels\nnonGoogleScripts\nnonGoogleIframes","blocklist_classes":"customScripts\ncustomPixels","include_environment":true,"environment_id":"env-1","environment_token":"g18KstQIuISFV7R8jqLFKQ"},"tagIds":["GTM-WSDBJPS"]},"data":{"extlink":{"extTarget":false,"extTargetAppendNewWindowLabel":"(opens in a new window)","extTargetNoOverride":false,"extNofollow":true,"extTitleNoOverride":false,"extNoreferrer":false,"extFollowNoOverride":true,"extClass":"ext","extLabel":"(link is external)","extImgClass":false,"extSubdomains":true,"extExclude":"(.*\\.gov\\\/)|(.*\\.mil\\\/)|((public|service)\\.govdelivery\\.com\\\/)|(web\\\/)|(web:8443\\\/)|(.*\\.amazonaws\\.com\\\/)|(.*\\.akamaihd\\.net\\\/)|(nsf\\.widencollective\\.com\\\/)|(www\\.facebook\\.com\\\/)|(www\\.instagram\\.com\\\/)|(www\\.linkedin\\.com\\\/)|(www\\.twitter\\.com\\\/)|(www\\.youtube\\.com\\\/)","extInclude":"","extCssExclude":".extlink-extra-leaving, .no-extlink-icon, .twitter-tweet","extCssInclude":"","extCssExplicit":"","extAlert":false,"extAlertText":"This link will take you to an external web site. We are not responsible for their content.","extHideIcons":false,"mailtoClass":"0","telClass":"tel","mailtoLabel":"(link sends email)","telLabel":"(link is a phone number)","extUseFontAwesome":false,"extIconPlacement":"append","extPreventOrphan":false,"extFaLinkClasses":"fa fa-external-link","extFaMailtoClasses":"fa fa-envelope-o","extAdditionalLinkClasses":"","extAdditionalMailtoClasses":"","extAdditionalTelClasses":"","extFaTelClasses":"fa fa-phone","whitelistedDomains":[],"extExcludeNoreferrer":""}},"collapsiblock":{"active_pages":false,"slide_speed":200,"cookie_lifetime":null},"mediaFilter":{"nodeType":"solicitation"},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"4591869a970501232decab9afab232fdb01bb0b3f7ae829dc3b4cf8a3fabc632"}} Skip to main content Here's how you know . to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Foundations for Operating the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource: the NAIRR Operations Center (NAIRR-OC). NSF document number: NSF25-546.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Grant (SBIR/STTR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This SBIR/STTR program 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, privacy-preserving, and efficient. This includes AI applications relevant to financial markets and supply chain intelligence, particularly in areas of secure and robust AI. Note: NSF temporarily paused new Project Pitch submissions due to a lapse in congressional SBIR/STTR authorization as of December 2025; however, program directors continue to process previously received pitches.
The National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot provides free access to GPU clusters, cloud environments, AI-ready datasets, and pre-trained models for US-based researchers and educators. Led by NSF in partnership with 13 federal agencies and 28 industry partners, NAIRR has supported over 600 research projects and 6,000 students across all 50 states. The program offers two allocation tiers: start-up allocations (up to three months on a single resource, reviewed within two weeks) and full research allocations (12-month projects reviewed monthly). Applications require a three-page proposal submitted through the NAIRR Pilot portal. Requests submitted by the 15th of the month are reviewed and decided by the end of the following month. Rolling applications accepted until resources are committed.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) - NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program funds U.S. small businesses developing AI-based technologies with strong commercial potential and societal benefit, covering 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, privacy-preserving, and computationally efficient. Phase I awards support feasibility research, while Phase II provides funding for further development and commercialization.
Artificial Intelligence Grant – NSF SBIR/STTR is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The Artificial Intelligence Grant – NSF SBIR/STTR program funds startups and small businesses to create artificial intelligence technology. Focus areas include cutting-edge hardware technologies for sustainable AI, edge devices, and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems. Proposals focused on developing new high-risk technical innovation with significant commercial and societal impact are welcome. This includes areas like cognitive science-based AI, computer vision, conversational AI, language-based AI, novel AI hardware technologies, sustainable AI for low-resource environments, and technologies for trustworthy AI.
NSF AI Research Institutes is a grant program from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds large-scale, multi-institution research institutes advancing foundational artificial intelligence research and its application across science, engineering, and society. Individual institute grants can exceed $20 million, with NSF investing over $800 million in AI-related activities in FY 2023. Eligible applicants include universities and research institutions that can lead collaborative AI research agendas aligned with national priorities. Institutes focus on areas such as trustworthy AI, human-AI interaction, AI for the environment, healthcare AI, and AI education, with an emphasis on broadening participation and translating research into real-world impact.
NSF AI Institute for Future Edge Networks and Distributed Intelligence (AI-EDGE) is a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and next-generation wireless networks. Based at Ohio State University and led by a multidisciplinary team, AI-EDGE develops foundational AI methods for distributed intelligence in future mobile systems, including reinforcement learning, stochastic systems, and mobile edge computing. The institute emphasizes workforce development and diversity in the next generation of AI and networking researchers. Eligible applicants are academic institutions and for-profit organizations in partnership with universities.
NSF AI Institute for Edge Computing Leveraging Next-generation Networks (Athena) is a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds multidisciplinary research on edge computing enhanced by artificial intelligence and next-generation communications networks. Led by Duke University and bringing together scientists, engineers, legal scholars, and psychologists from nine universities, Athena aims to transform the design, operation, and services of future mobile devices and networked systems. The institute emphasizes workforce development and cultivating a diverse, ethically focused generation of AI and networking researchers. Eligible applicants are academic institutions partnering with industry and for-profit organizations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) funding is a grant from multiple federal agencies through the SBIR/STTR programs that funds small business research and development of AI and machine learning technologies. The program supports small businesses developing innovative AI solutions including natural language processing, computer vision, decision support systems, and autonomous systems with commercial and government applications. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees and majority American ownership. Phase I awards support feasibility and concept development, while Phase II awards fund full R&D. Topic areas span defense, health, energy, agriculture, and other federal mission domains.
NSF AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistants (NSF ARIA) is a grant from the NSF that funds the development of next-generation AI assistants that are safer, more effective, and better able to adapt to individual user needs. Led by Brown University as part of NSF's $100 million National AI Research Institutes initiative, NSF ARIA is one of five interdisciplinary institutes supported alongside partners Capital One and Intel. The program is aligned with the White House AI Action Plan and Executive Order 14277 on advancing AI education. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, state and local governments, and for-profit organizations. Award amounts vary; details on future funding cycles are available at nsf.gov.
The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot (NAIRR) is a program from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds the creation of an operations center to manage and expand the National AI Research Resource. It provides U.S. researchers and educators with sustained access to advanced AI tools, data, and expertise to support innovation, workforce development, and national competitiveness in artificial intelligence. The program prioritizes research on AI safety, evaluations, and societal impacts, and may provide up to $1,000,000 in compute credits for qualifying AI safety research. Eligible applicants include U.S. researchers, educators, and institutions seeking access to cutting-edge AI computing infrastructure and resources.
Artificial Intelligence Professional Development (PD) Weeks: CS Foundations for Creating with AI is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This multi-state initiative, funded by NSF, aims to prepare thousands of K-12 educators to teach foundational computer science (CS) and AI at scale, strengthening educator capacity and expanding high-quality AI learning opportunities nationwide. The program combines intensive summer professional development with sustained community support.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) - NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This 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, privacy-preserving, and efficient.
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) program addresses the talent shortfall in AI and cybersecurity by welcoming proposals that address AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development. The Innovation Track supports projects that enhance the preparation of AI and/or cybersecurity professionals.
Special Funding Opportunity: National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes in Partnership with the National Science Foundation (Theme 6: AI-Augmented Learning) is sponsored by Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and National Science Foundation (NSF). This special funding opportunity supports National AI Research Institutes, with IES providing partial support for Theme 6: AI-Augmented Learning. The broad goals include advancing AI research, accelerating transformational AI-powered innovation, and growing the AI workforce.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (NSF SBIR Phase I) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF SBIR Phase I grant funds novel AI hardware and deep-learning AI programs. It supports early-stage feasibility and technical validation for startups with innovative AI technology with strong commercial potential. This topic emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust, privacy-preserving, and efficient in terms of computational resources, energy, and training data size. It includes sub-topics such as Cognitive Science-based Technologies, Computer Vision Based AI Technologies, Conversational AI Technologies, Language-Based AI Technologies, Novel AI Hardware Technologies, Sustainable AI Technologies for Low Resource Environments, and Technologies for Trustworthy AI.
AI for Health Initiative is a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science (SCH) program that funds research integrating artificial intelligence and advanced data science into health and biomedical applications. The program supports projects advancing intelligent systems, predictive models, and data-driven tools that can transform clinical care, public health, and biomedical discovery. Eligible applicants include U.S. academic institutions and research organizations submitting proposals through NSF's standard procedures, subject to the PAPPG and applicable research security policies. Awards are up to $500,000; the program is currently awaiting a new publication with updated deadlines.
The National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is a program from NSF, the Department of Energy, and private and nonprofit partners that provides U.S. researchers with access to integrated computing, data, model, platform, and educational resources for advancing AI research. Allocations are awarded for twelve-month projects covering areas including AI methods for scientific discovery, AI-enabled automation, sensitive data integration, open-source AI tool development, and AI workforce training. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based researchers, educators, graduate students, nonprofits, federal agencies, state/local/tribal agencies, and small businesses with federal grants. All project results must be open and publishable. Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing monthly cycle.
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot is a grant from the National Science Foundation that funds researchers seeking access to advanced computational resources and data infrastructure for fundamental AI research. The NAIRR Pilot connects the U.S. research community with the tools and datasets needed to advance AI science, fostering innovation across academia, industry, and government. NSF invests over $700 million annually in AI research. Eligible applicants are researchers, universities, and institutions engaged in fundamental AI research and related fields.
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service (NSF 26-503) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program supports proposals addressing AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development, including the security of emerging domains such as energy infrastructure where AI and cybersecurity are converging. The Innovation Track seeks transformative education proposals that can train more AI and cybersecurity experts.
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