Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities
This grant supports projects to identify and develop safeguards against the misuse of AI-enabled chemical and biological molecular models, aiming to reduce proliferation risks and explore nonproliferation opportunities.
Funder: Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation
Due Dates: July 21, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $4,000,000 total; award ceiling $4,000,000; up to 3 awards; period of performance up to 24 months.
Summary: Supports projects to identify, assess, and mitigate proliferation risks posed by AI-enabled chemical and biological molecular models and to advance nonproliferation safeguards.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; U.S. federal entities and domestic nonprofits/for-profits eligible; foreign nonprofits ineligible.
Description
This opportunity from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation (Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund, ACN/NDF) funds projects that advance efforts to identify, evaluate, and develop safeguards against the misuse of chemical and biological AI models (CBAIMs). The program aims to counter risks where AI models could be exploited to design or produce weaponizable chemical or biological agents, and to promote international best practices for responsible AI development in these fields. Activities may include technical assessments, development of mitigation strategies, international stakeholder engagement, and creation of tools or guidelines to secure AI-enabled molecular modeling.
