DOE Launches $293 Million Genesis Mission for National Science Challenges
March 18, 2026 · 2 min read
Jared Klein
The Department of Energy has opened a $293 million Request for Application under its new Genesis Mission initiative, targeting breakthrough research across more than 20 national science and technology challenges — from advanced manufacturing and biotechnology to quantum information science and nuclear energy.
A Two-Phase Structure Worth Up To $15 Million Per Award
The Genesis Mission uses an unusually flexible funding model. Phase I awards range from $500,000 to $750,000 for nine-month proof-of-concept projects. Phase II jumps to $6 million to $15 million for three-year research efforts — among the largest non-defense R&D awards DOE offers.
Critically, applicants can bypass Phase I and apply directly to Phase II, a rare option that benefits established teams with preliminary data. DOE is specifically calling for proposals that leverage artificial intelligence models and frameworks, signaling the agency's view that AI is now a core research tool across disciplines.
"With these investments we seek breakthrough ideas and novel collaborations leveraging the scientific prowess of our National Laboratories, the private sector, universities, and science philanthropies," said Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil.
Who Can Apply and Key Deadlines
The program is open to DOE national laboratories, U.S. industry, and academic institutions. DOE is encouraging interdisciplinary teams that bridge sectors — the kind of university-lab-industry partnerships that the agency believes are essential for tackling grand challenges.
Phase I applications and Phase II letters of intent are due April 28, 2026. Full Phase II applications are due May 19, 2026. An informational webinar is scheduled for March 26, giving prospective applicants a chance to hear directly from program officers.
What Researchers Should Do Now
The full NOFO (DE-FOA-0003612) is available through DOE's OSTI funding page. With just six weeks until the first deadline, teams should begin assembling partnerships and reviewing eligibility requirements immediately. The breadth of challenge areas — spanning physical sciences, engineering, computing, and biology — means researchers across a wide range of fields may find a fit.
In-depth analysis of DOE funding programs is available on the Granted blog.