DOE Opens $293 Million Genesis Mission for AI-Driven Science Teams

The Department of Energy has launched one of the largest single AI research funding opportunities in federal history, releasing a $293 million Request for Applications under its Genesis Mission on March 17. Interdisciplinary teams from national laboratories, universities, and private industry have until April 28 to submit Phase I applications.

$293 Million Across 26 Scientific Challenges

The Genesis Mission, a White House-led initiative announced in November 2025, targets the intersection of artificial intelligence and fundamental science. DOE's Office of Science has identified 26 priority challenges spanning advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, fusion research, and quantum information science.

Phase I awards range from $500,000 to $750,000 over nine months — designed as proving grounds for teams to demonstrate that their AI approaches can accelerate discovery. Successful Phase I recipients can then compete for Phase II awards of $6 million to $15 million over three years.

"With these investments we seek breakthrough ideas and novel collaborations leveraging scientific prowess," said Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil in announcing the funding opportunity.

Who Can Apply and What DOE Wants

The RFA (DE-FOA-0003612) is open to interdisciplinary teams that combine domain scientists with AI and machine learning experts. DOE is explicitly seeking proposals that use novel AI models and frameworks — not simply applying existing tools to existing problems.

Teams may apply directly to either Phase I or Phase II in this cycle. Phase II letters of intent are also due April 28, with full Phase II applications due May 19.

The scale of the opportunity has drawn attention across the research community. Grant seekers tracking AI funding on grantedai.com have noted the Genesis Mission as one of the highest-priority opportunities of 2026, given both the dollar amounts and the breadth of eligible research areas.

Apply Before the April 28 Deadline

If your team works at the intersection of AI and physical sciences, energy systems, or national security research, review the 26 challenge areas on the DOE Office of Science website immediately. The April 28 deadline for Phase I applications is less than three weeks away, and DOE has signaled this will be a recurring program with future funding cycles.

For deeper analysis of how the Genesis Mission fits into the broader federal AI funding landscape, visit the Granted blog.