DOE Unveils 26 AI Challenges Under Genesis Mission, Signs 24 Partners

The Department of Energy has mapped out the most ambitious federal AI-for-science initiative in U.S. history. In mid-February, DOE published 26 science and technology challenges under the Genesis Mission and simultaneously signed collaboration agreements with 24 organizations — national laboratories, universities, and private companies — to build the mission's operational infrastructure.

The 26 Challenges

The challenges span DOE's full portfolio: energy, national security, and fundamental discovery science. Nuclear energy alone accounts for several, including "Delivering Nuclear Energy that is Faster, Safer, Cheaper," "Accelerating Delivery of Fusion Energy," and "Harnessing America's Historic Nuclear Data and Research."

Other targets include grid modernization for AI data center loads, advanced materials discovery, subsurface energy recovery, and next-generation manufacturing. The connecting thread: each challenge assumes artificial intelligence and machine learning will be the primary accelerant for breakthroughs.

The Infrastructure Behind It

The underlying platform will connect DOE's world-leading supercomputers, experimental facilities, and unique scientific datasets into a single integrated system. The stated goal is to double the productivity of U.S. research and development within a decade.

The 24 collaboration agreements signal which institutions are already positioned as lead partners — and where subcontracting, joint-research, and grant-funded collaboration opportunities will surface first.

What AI Researchers Should Watch For

Each challenge area will generate research solicitations, cooperative agreements, and grant funding as DOE scales the mission. The procurement pipeline is just opening. Researchers working at the intersection of machine learning and physical sciences — materials, energy systems, climate modeling, nuclear engineering — should monitor DOE's Advanced Scientific Computing Research program for upcoming funding announcements.

Track new AI-related federal funding opportunities as they emerge at Granted. A deeper breakdown of the Genesis Mission's research pipeline is available on the Granted blog.