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The Sloan Foundation's exploratory grantmaking in Technology supports the development and adoption of AI tools that accelerate scientific research and automate aspects of the scientific process.
Funded scope includes foundation models for science (chemistry, biology, materials, physics), AI lab automation and self-driving laboratories, AI-driven literature review and synthesis tools, machine learning for experimental design, scientific reasoning and hypothesis generation in LLMs, and infrastructure for open scientific AI.
The exploratory program identifies emerging sectors, tools, and methods with high potential that may not yet attract mainstream funding, prioritizing interdisciplinary risk-taking work.
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Search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: U.S. and international non-profit research institutions, universities, and individual investigators. Open to all career stages. Rolling letter of inquiry process; invited full proposals follow. Strong fit for projects building AI infrastructure or methodology with broad applicability across scientific domains. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows grants typically range from $100,000 to $400,000 per project. Rolling letters of inquiry accepted year-round. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for Sloan Foundation Exploratory Grantmaking in Technology for AI in Science and Research Automation 2026 are due December 31, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Sloan Foundation Exploratory Grantmaking in Technology for AI in Science and Research Automation 2026 is funded by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Exploratory Grantmaking in Technology program, with a dedicated AI in Science track, supports the development and adoption of AI tools that accelerate scientific research and automate aspects of the scientific process. Funded scope includes foundation models for science (chemistry, biology, materials, physics), AI lab automation and self-driving laboratories, AI-driven literature review and synthesis tools, machine learning for experimental design, scientific reasoning and hypothesis generation in LLMs, infrastructure for open scientific AI, reproducibility and transparency of machine learning in research, and the philosophy of science applied to ML. Rolling letters of inquiry are accepted year-round with a deadline of December 31, 2026 for the current cycle. Letters of inquiry are reviewed quarterly. Sloan is particularly interested in open-science orientation and replicable AI infrastructure for scientific discovery. Strong fit for U.S. universities, research institutes, and nonprofits building open foundation models for science, autonomous lab software, AI-driven scientific reasoning, or open scientific AI benchmarks.
Higher Education Program: STEM Equity is a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation that funds efforts to expand access and opportunity for underrepresented students in STEM higher education. Rooted in the Foundation's Commitment to Opportunity for All in Science, the program supports initiatives that ensure all students — regardless of background — can thrive in STEM disciplines. Funded projects may include research, programs, and institutional initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in science and engineering fields. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. Awards typically range from $50,000 to $500,000. No fixed deadline is specified; interested applicants should consult the Sloan Foundation website for current opportunities.