Exploratory Grantmaking in Technology
Supports early-stage research and technology projects in science, with a focus on AI and automation, to clarify needs and inform future strategies where other funding is scarce.
Funder: Sloan Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (Letters of Inquiry accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: No fixed minimum or maximum; funding is project-dependent and typically covers workshops, prototyping, or early-stage research.
Summary: Supports early-stage projects clarifying needs and strategies in emerging technology, especially AI and automation in science where traditional funding is scarce.
Key Information: Submit a Letter of Inquiry before a full proposal; unsolicited proposals are not accepted.
Description
This program supports exploratory projects at the intersection of research and technology, with the goal of clarifying community needs and informing potential strategies for future investment. The focus is on areas where public or private funding is limited, including but not limited to AI in science (emphasizing transparency, reproducibility, and the philosophical foundations of machine learning) and automation in scientific research (such as robotics and AI in lab environments). Funded activities may include workshops, expert convenings, early-stage technology development, prototyping, landscape analyses, standards development, initial user community research, and proof-of-concept demonstrations.
