DOE Announces $293 Million for Genesis Mission AI Funding

DOE Energy News

Published March 17th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy announced $293 million in funding through a Request for Application (RFA) for the Genesis Mission, focusing on advancing AI to address national science and technology challenges. The RFA invites interdisciplinary teams from national laboratories, industry, and academia to apply for funding for projects in areas such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and quantum information science.

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What changed

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $293 million funding opportunity, the "Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI" Request for Application (RFA). This initiative aims to leverage novel AI models and frameworks to address over 20 national challenges across advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, and quantum information science. The RFA is open to interdisciplinary teams from DOE National Laboratories, U.S. industry, and academia, with Phase I awards ranging from $500,000 to $750,000 and Phase II awards from $6 million to $15 million.

Regulated entities, particularly those in academia and industry involved in research and development, should review the RFA for eligibility and application details. Phase I applications are due April 28, 2026, and Phase II applications are due May 19, 2026. Participation in this program offers an opportunity to secure significant funding for AI-driven research addressing complex national challenges. Failure to meet application deadlines will preclude participation in this funding cycle.

What to do next

Review DE-FOA-0003612 for eligibility and application instructions.
Submit Phase I applications by April 28, 2026.
Submit Phase II applications by May 19, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

Energy Department Announces $293 Million in Funding to Support Genesis Mission National Science and Technology Challenges

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced funding to advance the Genesis Mission’s efforts to tackle the nation’s most complex science and technology challenges.

Energy.gov

March 17, 2026

WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced funding to advance the Genesis Mission’s efforts to tackle the nation’s most complex science and technology challenges. This includes a $293 million Request for Application (RFA),“The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI.” Through this RFA, DOE invites interdisciplinary teams to leverage novel AI models and frameworks to address over 20 national challenges spanning advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, and quantum information science.

“The Genesis Mission has caught the imagination of our scientific and engineering communities to tackle national challenges in the age of AI,” said Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil and Genesis Mission Director. “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.”

The RFA is open to interdisciplinary teams from DOE National Laboratories, U.S. industry, and academia. Phase I awards will range from $500,000 to $750,000 and will support a nine month project period. Phase II awards will range from $6 million to $15 million over a three year project period. Teams may apply directly to either phase in FY 2026, and successful Phase I teams will be eligible to compete for larger Phase II awards in future cycles.

Phase I applications and Phase II letters of intent are due April 28, 2026. Phase II applications are due May 19, 2026. DOE plans to hold an informational webinar about this RFA on March 26, 2026.

For full eligibility, application instructions, and challenge details, see the official NOFO: DE-FOA-0003612. Registration instructions and other details will be posted here.

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Tags:
- Science & Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Funding Opportunities