The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI
The Department of Energy seeks interdisciplinary teams to use AI for advancing science, energy, and technology in areas like manufacturing, biotech, critical materials, and nuclear research.
Funder: Office of Science
Due Dates: May 1, 2026 (Phase I applications, Phase II LOI) | May 19, 2026 (Phase II full applications) | December 17, 2026 (Phase II from FY26 Phase I awards)
Funding Amounts: Phase I: $500,000–$750,000 (9 months); Phase II: up to $16,000,000 over 3 years (envisioned as 3–5× Phase I per year); total program: $293,760,000.
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary teams to accelerate scientific discovery and energy innovation using novel AI models and frameworks across DOE mission areas.
Key Information: Multi-institutional teams required; cost share required for for-profit entities; some focus areas restrict Phase II eligibility.
Description
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, along with partner offices, seeks applications from interdisciplinary teams to address the Genesis Mission National Science and Technology Challenges. This opportunity aims to accelerate scientific discovery and research and development (R&D) workflows through the development and deployment of innovative artificial intelligence (AI) models and frameworks. Projects should leverage DOE/NNSA resources, national laboratories, U.S. industry, and academia, with the goal of advancing energy, environmental, and nuclear science and technology. Successful AI models and workflows may be integrated into the American Science Cloud and contribute to the broader Genesis Mission platform.
The program is structured in two phases:
- Phase I: Small teams demonstrate a clear, AI-driven research workflow with tangible evaluation metrics.
- Phase II: Large teams build on promising Phase I directions or may apply directly if they have already achieved Phase I goals.
A wide range of scientific and technical focus areas are eligible, including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear fission and fusion, quantum information science, microelectronics, discovery science, and energy systems. Specific focus areas and eligibility details are provided in the solicitation.
