DOE Launches $293 Million Genesis Mission to Fund AI-Powered Research
April 1, 2026 · 2 min read
Claire Cummings
The Department of Energy has opened a $293 million funding call under the Genesis Mission, the White House initiative that pairs federal scientific data with artificial intelligence to tackle national challenges in manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, and materials science.
Phase I applications and Phase II letters of intent are both due April 28, 2026.
21 Challenges Spanning the Research Landscape
Announced March 17 through NOFO DE-FOA-0003612, the Request for Application targets 21 challenge areas including:
- Reenvisioning advanced manufacturing and industrial productivity
- Scaling the biotechnology revolution
- Securing America's critical minerals supply
- Delivering nuclear energy that is faster, safer, and cheaper
- Achieving AI-driven autonomous laboratories
- Designing materials with predictable functionality
The Genesis Mission was established through Executive Order 14363 in November 2025. DOE expects to issue updated challenge areas and additional funding opportunities in FY2027.
How the Two-Phase Structure Works
Teams can enter at either phase:
- Phase I awards range from $500,000 to $750,000 for a nine-month project period. Small teams must include partners from at least two of three categories: DOE or NNSA national laboratories, industry, or academic institutions.
- Phase II awards range from $6 million to $15 million over three years. Large teams must include at least one national laboratory and one industry partner.
Successful Phase I teams will be eligible to compete for Phase II funding in subsequent cycles. Awards will be structured as Other Transaction agreements, either fixed-price with milestone-based payments or cost reimbursement.
For-profit participants must contribute a minimum 20 percent cost share for basic and applied R&D, rising to 50 percent for demonstration and commercial application tasks. All awards include U.S. Competitiveness provisions requiring domestic manufacturing.
Why This Matters for Grant Seekers
The Genesis Mission represents the largest single AI-for-science funding opportunity from DOE to date. Academic researchers, national lab scientists, and industry partners working in energy, materials, biotech, or manufacturing AI should review the challenge areas at grantedai.com and begin assembling cross-sector teams before the April 28 deadline.
For a deeper breakdown of eligible challenge areas and team-building strategies, check the Granted blog.