The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Mar. 17 a $293 million Request for Application to support the Genesis Mission, which aims to address national science and technology challenges using artificial intelligence. The funding opportunity, titled “The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI,” invites interdisciplinary teams from DOE National Laboratories, industry, and academia to propose solutions in areas such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, and quantum information science.
This initiative is intended to foster innovation by leveraging AI models and frameworks across more than 20 national challenges. Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil, who also serves as Genesis Mission Director, said, “The Genesis Mission has caught the imagination of our scientific and engineering communities to tackle national challenges in the age of AI. 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.”
Phase I awards will range from $500,000 to $750,000 for nine-month projects. Phase II awards will provide between $6 million and $15 million over three years. Teams may apply directly to either phase during fiscal year 2026; successful Phase I teams can compete for larger Phase II awards in future cycles. Applications for Phase I and letters of intent for Phase II are due April 28, while full Phase II applications are due May 19. An informational webinar about this RFA is scheduled for March 26.
DOE’s ongoing efforts include other major initiatives such as a Notice of Intent issued on July 21, 2022 for a $225 million program supporting resilient building energy codes funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law according to the department. On July 21, 2022 Secretary Jennifer Granholm encouraged international collaboration on clean energy at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum as seen in a DOE video. Technology development at national laboratories has also been highlighted as crucial in environmental cleanup missions according to testimony before Congress.
Other recent DOE activities include applying innovative passive energy processes at Savannah River Site to improve groundwater quality as reported by DOE Office of Environmental Management, announcing a $96 million opportunity on July 21, 2022 to advance clean vehicle technologies according to the department, and launching more than 140 programs supporting President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at delivering clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities as stated by DOE.
For further details about eligibility or application instructions regarding the Genesis Mission RFA (DE-FOA-0003612), interested parties are directed to consult official DOE resources.
