NSF AI Grants

Artificial Intelligence (AI) SBIR/STTR Phase I is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This NSF SBIR/STTR topic focuses on cutting-edge AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust against adversaries, privacy-preserving, and efficient. It also includes novel hardware technologies for sustainable AI, edge devices (i.e., intelligent systems on a chip for applications such as voice assistants), and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems. The program funds high-risk, high-impact technologies with strong commercial potential.

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.

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.

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.

AI Forge: Critical AI Challenges for National Security is sponsored by DARPA and National Science Foundation (NSF). A joint DARPA and NSF research and development program to catalyze breakthroughs in AI for national security, focusing on interpretability, control, and adversarial robustness. It establishes a forum of universities, industry, and U.

AI Forge Initiative for University Research on AI Interpretability, Control, and Adversarial Robustness is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The AI Forge initiative is a university-only research forum that funds Project Ventures focusing on AI interpretability, AI control, and adversarial robustness. It aims to accelerate trustworthy and secure foundation-model and frontier-AI research at U.S. universities by pairing academic teams with a rapid, milestone-driven venture structure. The program is designed to solve critical AI challenges for national security.

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.

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 (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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program supports startups and small businesses developing cutting-edge technologies in deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. It includes novel devices and architectures for sustainable AI, edge devices, and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems. All proposals focused on developing a new high-risk technical innovation with significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome.

AI for Collaborative Assistance and Responsive Interaction for Networked Groups (AI-CARING) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). AI-CARING is an NSF AI Institute focused on building intelligent systems that support aging. The institute aims to develop new longitudinal, collaborative AI systems that work with aging adults, including those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, and their caregivers.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) 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 computationally efficient.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) funding (SBIR/STTR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF SBIR/STTR Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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 against adversaries, privacy-preserving, and efficient. This aligns well with AI governance and security, particularly for applications requiring trustworthy AI.

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.

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.

AI & Machine Learning Grants 2026-2027 is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF SBIR for AI & Machine Learning program focuses on cutting-edge technologies in deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. It includes healthcare AI, such as disease detection, drug discovery, clinical decision support, medical imaging, and patient monitoring. The program emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust, privacy-preserving, and computationally efficient.

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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). America's Seed Fund, powered by the NSF, funds U. S. -based startups and small businesses developing deep technologies with commercial and societal potential, including cutting-edge AI systems and AI-based hardware.

AI Forge: Accelerating AI breakthroughs for national security is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). A joint DARPA and NSF research and development program to catalyze breakthroughs in AI for national security, working with the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) at NIST.

National AI Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). 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 and workforce development.

National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with 13 federal agencies and 28 industry partners. The NAIRR Pilot aims to democratize access to AI compute, datasets, and pre-trained models. Access is open to researchers, educators, and students at U. S. -based academic institutions, nonprofits, federal agencies, tribal agencies, and even startups with federal grants.

National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot: NAIRR Classroom is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NAIRR pilot program aims to democratize access to AI innovation and support the development of trustworthy AI. The NAIRR Classroom focus area specifically provides infrastructure support to educators to enable training on AI technologies and their responsible approaches.

AI Forge: Accelerating AI breakthroughs for national security is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and National Science Foundation (NSF). A joint DARPA and NSF research and development program to catalyze breakthroughs in AI for national security, working with the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) at NIST.

NSF IDSS: Building a national integrated data infrastructure is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program funds the development and operation of powerful national-scale systems and associated services that allow researchers to access, use, and share scientific data. It also supports workforce development to manage and operate these systems, strengthening the U.S. cyberinfrastructure for AI and scientific progress. The NAIRR Pilot, a key initiative expanding access to AI research resources, is part of this.

NSF AI Workforce Development Programs (Various Initiatives) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This umbrella of NSF programs supports the development of the AI workforce by investing in individuals at every stage of their education and careers. It focuses on growing human capital, equipping educators and practitioners with AI skills, and developing institutional capacity for AI research and development. It also supports national hubs for universities and other organizations to advance AI research and build infrastructure for AI education and workforce development.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) and partner agencies (NASA, DOD, NIH, etc.). The NAIRR pilot program increases access to AI research and development tools, including computing power, models, and datasets, for researchers and schools. It aims to democratize AI research and support projects related to AI safety and societal impacts.

AI Forge Program: University Research Capabilities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Thrusts is sponsored by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) and National Science Foundation (NSF). A jointly developed program by DARPA and NSF to catalyze breakthroughs in AI for national security, focusing on aligning government, academia, and industry around foundational research to accelerate advances in AI interpretability, AI control, and adversarial robustness.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) funding (under NSF SBIR/STTR) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This specific topic within the NSF SBIR/STTR program focuses on cutting-edge technologies in the field of deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. It emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust against sophisticated adversaries, privacy-preserving, and efficient. It supports startups and small businesses to translate AI research into products and services for the public good.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Operations Center (Solicitation NSF 25-546) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This solicitation is to establish the NAIRR Operations Center, transitioning NAIRR from a pilot to a sustained national capability. The NAIRR is a scalable national infrastructure providing AI research and education communities with access to critical computing, software, data, models, and expertise.

AI SBIR/STTR Program - Technologies for Trustworthy AI is a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds early-stage, high-risk technology development by U.S. small businesses focused on innovative, disruptive solutions in trustworthy AI and across all fields of science and engineering. Phase I awards provide approximately $260,000 to test feasibility over six to twelve months. Companies that successfully complete Phase I may apply for a Phase II award of up to $1,000,000 for prototype development and scaling over two years. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees and at least 50% U.S. citizen equity ownership. NSF prioritizes revolutionary, commercially viable technologies with strong market potential.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) (NSF SBIR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The Artificial Intelligence topic focuses on cutting-edge technologies in the field of deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. This includes next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, robust, privacy-preserving, and efficient. While broad, solutions applying AI to acoustic detection for counter-UAS could fit under this umbrella.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Classroom is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Led by NSF, this focus area of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) aims to develop an AI-ready workforce by expanding education, training, user support, and outreach to new and nontraditional research and learning communities across the U.S. The NAIRR is a scalable national infrastructure providing access to computing, software, data, models, educational resources, and expertise to advance AI innovation and expand the AI workforce.

NAIRR Pilot (National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with 13 federal agencies and 28 industry partners. The NAIRR Pilot was created to democratize access to AI compute, datasets, and pre-trained models. It aggregates resources from contributors including Microsoft and NVIDIA. It is currently transitioning from the pilot phase to a permanent operations center.

Artificial Intelligence Grant – Apply Today is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF SBIR program welcomes proposals focused on developing high-risk technical innovation with significant potential for commercial and societal impact in Artificial Intelligence. This includes sub-topics such as Cognitive Science-based Technologies, Computer Vision, Conversational AI, Language-Based AI, Novel AI Hardware, Sustainable AI, and Technologies for Trustworthy AI.

NSF Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education Innovation and Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) Program is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program supports scholarships and educational innovations that integrate AI and cybersecurity training. It builds on the CyberCorps® SFS program by integrating AI into cybersecurity operations and the security and resilience of AI systems. The program has a Scholarship Track to establish or continue SFS programs with integrated AI and cybersecurity components, and an Innovation Track to support projects enhancing the preparation of AI and/or cybersecurity professionals.

National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with federal agencies and industry. The NAIRR Pilot was created to democratize access to AI compute, datasets, and pre-trained models. It aggregates resources from contributors including Microsoft and NVIDIA. It is currently transitioning to a permanent operations center.

The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot provides U.S. researchers and educators with access to computing (including NVIDIA H100/A100 GPU clusters and DOE leadership systems), pre-trained models, AI-ready datasets, and platforms to advance responsible AI research and education. Backed by NSF, DOE, and a coalition of 14 federal agencies and 25+ private partners, it has connected hundreds of research teams to compute. Allocations are awarded via a rolling monthly review of short (about three-page) proposals; sizes range from modest research allocations to as much as ~$3.5 million in cloud resources for grand-challenge projects.

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.

CloudBank 2: Accelerating Science and Engineering Research in the Commercial Cloud is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant expands the NSF CloudBank initiative, providing access to commercial cloud computing, AI model access, and other commercial cloud services to accelerate science and engineering research. It aims to strengthen the U.

AI Forge: Critical AI Challenges for National Security is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and National Science Foundation (NSF). A jointly governed forum that issues fast-paced, high-risk, high-reward Project Ventures to university-led teams for fundamental AI research aimed at solving critical AI challenges for national security, focusing on interpretability, control, and adversarial robustness.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) is a grant from U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds access to computing, model, platform, and educational resources for AI research projects. Led by NSF, DOE, and private and nonprofit sector partners, the NAIRR Pilot invites U.S.-based researchers, educators, graduate students, nonprofits, federal agencies, and small businesses with federal grants to submit proposals. Funded projects may address AI methods for scientific discovery, AI-enabled automation, sensitive data integration, simulation-AI integration, open-source AI tools, or workforce training. Awards run for 12 months and require open, publishable results. Proposals are reviewed by independent peer reviewers for scientific merit and technical feasibility.

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.

NAIRR Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) is a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that funds the establishment and operation of a centralized National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource. The grant supports organizations capable of building and managing the NAIRR-OC infrastructure, which will provide researchers, educators, and institutions across the United States with broad access to AI computing resources, datasets, and tools. Award amounts vary based on scope and are determined through NSF's competitive review process. Eligible applicants are organizations with demonstrated capacity to operate national-scale AI research infrastructure.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Grant – NSF SBIR is sponsored by US National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant 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, including hardware technologies for sustainable AI, edge devices, and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems.

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.

NSF Institute of Accelerated AI Algorithms for Data-Driven Discovery (A3D3) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This institute targets fundamental problems in high-energy physics, multi-messenger astrophysics, and neuroscience. It focuses on developing and applying new AI-based solutions to analyze large datasets in real-time, enhancing discovery potential in these fields.

NSF AI Planning Institute for Data-Driven Discovery in Physics is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) (Carnegie Mellon University is a key participant). This planning institute aims to integrate cutting-edge AI methods into a broad range of physics areas, rapidly propagating successful methods and facilitating back-transfer from data-rich physics fields to AI development.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The NAIRR Pilot aims to democratize access to AI research tools across the United States. It provides access to advanced computing resources, AI testbeds, training resources, and associated expertise from NSF and DOE.

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.

AI Forge: Accelerating AI breakthroughs for national security is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and National Science Foundation (NSF). A joint DARPA and NSF research and development program to catalyze breakthroughs in AI for national security, working with the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) at NIST.

National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot - Microsoft Contribution is sponsored by Microsoft (in partnership with NSF, OUSD R&E, NIST). Microsoft is contributing to the NAIRR pilot, a federal initiative to broaden AI research and spur innovation by providing greater computing resources to AI researchers and engineers in academia and non-profit sectors.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) funding (NSF SBIR Phase I) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF SBIR Phase I grant funds both AI hardware and deep-learning AI programs. It supports early-stage feasibility and technical validation for startups with novel AI technology with strong commercial potential, including those in computer vision. Relevant categories include cognitive science, sustainability, computer-vision, language-based, and conversational technologies.

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 (NAIRR) Operations Center (NAIRR-OC) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This solicitation seeks proposals to establish a community-based organization that will be responsible for the foundational visioning, coordination, operations, and development activities in support of an integrated national infrastructure for AI research and education.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This NSF SBIR/STTR 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. It also includes hardware for sustainable AI, edge devices, and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems. This can include applications in climate science and potentially emerging markets through broader AI applications.

The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot, led by NSF with 13 federal agencies and 28 industry partners, provides U.S. researchers and educators with no-cost access to advanced AI computing resources rather than direct cash awards. Resources include GPU clusters (NVIDIA H100 and A100), cloud environments, AI-ready datasets, and pre-trained models totaling roughly 3.77 exaFLOPS of compute capacity, backed by in-kind contributions such as Microsoft's $20 million in Azure credits. Projects receive 12-month resource allocations on a rolling basis until resources are committed.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Allocations is sponsored by NSF and Department of Energy. This initial call emphasizes computational research projects from US-based researchers focused on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI, and will secondarily consider proposals in areas aligned with the NAIRR pilot goals including healthcare, environment and infrastructure sustainabi…

AI Education Grants (NSF STEM K-12, solicitation NSF 25-545) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This program funds research on how AI can enhance STEM teaching and learning across subjects, including developing new tools, frameworks, and informal learning opportunities. It emphasizes translating research and development advances to STEM classroom practices.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Program is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NAIRR is a scalable national infrastructure that provides the research and education communities with access to critical computing, software, data, models, educational resources, and expertise needed to advance AI innovation for the U.S. The pilot program aims to accelerate AI and AI-powered discovery, expand the AI workforce, increase capacity and integration of AI resources, and advance AI interpretability, security, and trust.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Operations Center is sponsored by NSF CISE/IIS. 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.

AI SBIR/STTR is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) supports startups and small businesses to translate research into products and services, including AI systems and AI-based hardware, for the public good. NSF is a major federal funder of AI research, aiming to catalyze new discoveries and translate knowledge into the American enterprise.

National Science Foundation (NSF) AI Workforce Development Programs (Various Initiatives) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF has multiple initiatives focused on building a world-class workforce for the AI era. These investments include creating educational tools, materials, curricula, scholarships, and fellowships to enhance learning and create an AI-ready workforce. Programs like 'Expanding AI Career and Skilled Technical Workforce Opportunities in Support of High School Students' and 'Expanding K-12 Resources for AI Education' invite supplemental funding requests for AI-focused career and skill-building opportunities. While some programs are for current awardees, NSF broadly supports initiatives to grow human capital and institutional capacity in AI. Nonprofits can engage in partnerships to advance AI workforce development.

AI Forge DARPA and NSF Program for University-Led National Security AI Research in Interpretability Control and Adversarial Robustness is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and National Science Foundation (NSF). AI Forge is a joint DARPA-NSF initiative, in collaboration with NIST's Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), to accelerate university-led fundamental AI research for national security. The program focuses on AI interpretability, AI control, and adversarial robustness to develop AI that is reliable, predictable, understandable, and secure in contested environments.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and National Science Foundation (NSF). Jointly sponsored by NIFA and NSF, this program supports AI Research Institutes that advance foundational AI research and its applications, including in agriculture and food systems. While the primary focus is agricultural science, these institutes aim to build new multidisciplinary communities and create a workforce for an AI-powered revolution, which could indirectly involve humanities perspectives on the societal impact of AI in these sectors.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) (SBIR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This NSF SBIR program funds startups creating artificial intelligence technology. It includes cutting-edge hardware technologies needed 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 potential commercial and societal impact are welcome.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) and Federal Partners. The NAIRR aims to expand access to computing power, datasets, software, and other resources needed for AI research and development. It also seeks to expand the AI workforce and train the next generation of AI researchers and educators.

The NAIRR Pilot provides U.S.-based researchers and educators with free access to advanced computing (NVIDIA H100/A100 GPU clusters), AI-ready datasets, pre-trained models, and platforms for 12-month AI research and education projects across scientific discovery, interpretability, automation, and workforce development. Requests are reviewed on an ongoing monthly cycle and all funded projects must produce open and publishable results.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) with contributions from other federal agencies (e.g., DOE, NIH, NOAA, DARPA, NASA, NIST). The NAIRR is a scalable national infrastructure providing the research and education communities with access to computing, software, data, models, educational resources, and expertise to advance AI innovation for the U.

On June 1, 2026, DARPA and the National Science Foundation jointly launched AI Forge, a university-led national-security AI research forum funding work across three thrust areas: AI interpretability (making AI behavior and decisions understandable and operationally usable), AI control (verifiable evidence of bounded, auditable, reliable model behavior and human control), and adversarial robustness (AI that maintains integrity under deliberate attack). The launch was accompanied by a Critical AI Challenges for National Security report laying out 15 specific research challenges, and a Request for Information on sam.gov (closed June 22, 2026) for U.S. universities. AI Forge funds Project Ventures of roughly $750,000 to $3 million over one-year terms, with multiple awards expected annually.

Artificial Intelligence Grant is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF SBIR program welcomes proposals from small businesses focused on developing new high-risk technical innovations with significant potential commercial and societal impact in artificial intelligence. This includes sub-topics such as cognitive science-based AI, computer vision, conversational AI, language-based AI, novel AI hardware, sustainable AI, and trustworthy AI.

The National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot provides U.S. researchers and educators with free, in-kind access to advanced computational resources for AI, including NVIDIA H100 and A100 GPU clusters, cloud environments, AI-ready datasets, and pre-trained models spanning roughly 3.77 exaFLOPS of capacity from DOE national laboratories and other partners, plus industry contributions (including Microsoft's $20M Azure allocation and NVIDIA GPU resources). Allocations run for 12 months with a rapid Start-Up track offering ~2-week turnaround. It supports AI methods for scientific discovery, interpretability, automation, sensitive-data applications, and AI workforce development. Applications are accepted on a rolling monthly basis; no cash is awarded.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) SBIR/STTR Program 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. It emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust, privacy-preserving, and efficient. It also includes hardware technologies for sustainable AI, edge devices, and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems.

AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistants (ARIA) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant supports an artificial intelligence research institute focused on developing a new generation of AI assistants capable of trustworthy, sensitive, and context-aware interactions with people, specifically for use in mental and behavioral health.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) grant (AI Grant to Study Hydrology) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) / U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This program provides scientists with resources to conduct computationally demanding artificial intelligence research, specifically in areas like studying water flow in mountainous regions where observational data are limited to improve forecasting.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Novel AI Hardware Technologies (e.g. Neuromorphic Computing, High-performance Technologies for AI, Smart and Secure Edge Devices, etc.) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This specific sub-topic within the NSF SBIR/STTR program focuses on cutting-edge hardware technologies needed for sustainable AI, novel devices and architectures to support the tremendous processing power needed by AI technologies, and smart and secure edge devices.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Allocations is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with other federal agencies (e.g., NIH, DOE, DARPA, NIST, NASA, NOAA, USDA, DOD, USPTO). The NAIRR pilot provides access to advanced computing, datasets, models, software, training, and user support to U. S. -based researchers and educators to power responsible AI discovery and innovation.

Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes is sponsored by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) / National Science Foundation (NSF). Jointly sponsored by NIFA, NSF, and other partner agencies, this program establishes AI Institutes to advance AI technologies. These institutes focus on applying AI to various agricultural challenges, including crop improvement, animal welfare, and labor shortages.

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.