NSF AI Grants

AI Forge: Accelerating AI breakthroughs for national security is sponsored by DARPA and U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). AI Forge is a joint research and development program by DARPA and NSF, in collaboration with NIST, to catalyze breakthroughs in AI for national security. It aims to accelerate progress towards AI that is reliable, predictable, understandable, and secure in contested environments.

AI Forge Program: University Research Capabilities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Thrusts Request for Information (RFI) is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and National Science Foundation (NSF). AI Forge is a joint DARPA and NSF initiative, in collaboration with NIST's Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), designed to fund university-led research on critical AI problems for national security, including AI interpretability, control, and adversarial robustness.

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service - Scholarship Track (NSF 26-503) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This program addresses the talent shortfall in AI and cybersecurity by welcoming proposals that focus on education and workforce development. It funds academic institutions to establish or continue scholarship-for-service programs with integrated AI and cybersecurity components.

Artificial Intelligence Grant (SBIR/STTR) is a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation that funds early-stage R&D in artificial intelligence and other deep technology areas for small businesses. Through America's Seed Fund, NSF provides up to $275,000 in Phase I funding with no equity taken, allowing founders to retain full control of their intellectual property and company direction. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees and at least 50% U.S. citizen or permanent resident ownership. Applications for the new solicitation cycle open June 2, 2026, with proposals due July 27, 2026.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This program focuses on cutting-edge technologies in deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware, emphasizing next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust, privacy-preserving, and efficient. It explicitly includes Computer Vision Based AI Technologies. Small businesses can receive non-dilutive funding for high-risk, high-impact technologies with strong commercial potential.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This SBIR 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 also includes novel hardware technologies for sustainable AI.

NAIRR Pilot Resource Requests to Advance AI Research is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with DOE and others. Provides access to computing, model, platform, and educational resources for AI research projects, including those involving edge computing, distributed systems, and AI at the edge. Projects awarded for 12 months.

The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot, led by NSF in partnership with DOE, 13 federal agencies, and 28 industry and nonprofit partners, democratizes access to the resources needed for AI research. Rather than cash, awardees receive an integrated ecosystem of compute (HPC allocations and cloud GPU credits), curated datasets, pretrained models, and software platforms. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling monthly basis (submissions by the 15th are typically reviewed by month-end), and projects run for 12 months. A lighter Start-Up track offers a roughly two-week turnaround. All results must be open and publishable. The pilot has supported more than 600 projects and 6,000 students across all 50 states.

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) Program is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The CyberAI SFS program supports student scholarships for service and educational innovations that integrate AI and cybersecurity training. It aims to increase the number of qualified and diverse cybersecurity candidates for government positions, improve national capacity for cybersecurity education, and strengthen partnerships between academic institutions and government entities. The Scholarship Track provides funding to establish or continue SFS programs with integrated AI and cybersecurity components, while the Innovation Track supports projects that enhance the preparation of AI and/or cybersecurity professionals.

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 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.

Foundations for Operating the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource: the NAIRR Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) is sponsored by NSF Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). Supports the creation of an operations center to manage and expand the National AI Research Resource, providing U. S. researchers and educators sustained access to advanced AI tools, data, and expertise for innovation, workforce development, and competitiveness.

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 and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The CyberAI SFS program welcomes proposals addressing AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development. It focuses on using AI in cybersecurity and providing security and resilience for AI systems, including basic research in adversarial machine learning and trustworthy AI.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NAIRR pilot, led by NSF, 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. It includes contributions for AI safety, trust evaluation, and access to various AI tools and datasets.

The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot provides U.S.-based researchers and educators with access to advanced computing, pre-trained AI models, datasets, and platform and educational resources through a shared national infrastructure funded by NSF, DOE, and private and non-profit partners. The Resource Requests track supports full research projects with 12-month allocations, reviewed on a monthly cycle (submissions by the 15th typically decided by month's end). The pilot has supported more than 600 research and education projects across all 50 states, backed by roughly $100 million in private-sector in-kind contributions.

The NAIRR Pilot Start-Up Project Request is the entry-level track of the National AI Research Resource, giving researchers new to NAIRR quick access to GPU and AI computing resources for proof-of-concept work and scaling studies before submitting a full Research request. Projects receive a three-month allocation of a single resource, with review decisions returned within 2-3 weeks and projects required to begin within two weeks of award notification. Resources include up to 2,000 GPU-hours across systems such as PSC Bridges-2, Purdue Anvil AI, SDSC Expanse AI, and TACC Vista.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) (NSF SBIR/STTR) is sponsored by 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 computationally efficient. Sub-topics include cognitive science-based technologies, computer vision, conversational AI, language-based AI technologies, novel AI hardware, sustainable AI for low-resource environments, and trustworthy AI.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) with multiple federal agencies and private sector partners. The NAIRR is a scalable national infrastructure providing the research and education communities with access to critical computing, software, data, models, educational resources, and expertise to advance AI innovation, including resources for developing trustworthy and responsib…

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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This 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 in terms of computational resources and energy.

NSF AI Education and Workforce Development is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF invests in the AI workforce at every stage of education and career development, focusing on equipping educators and practitioners with AI skills, developing institutional capacity for AI research and development, and creating AI systems that enhance teaching and learning for…

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) / U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). 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.