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 over 20 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 projects in areas such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy, and quantum information science.
This initiative is designed to foster collaboration across scientific communities and accelerate progress on complex national issues through innovative uses of AI. 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.
This announcement follows other recent DOE initiatives aimed at advancing clean energy technologies and supporting underserved communities. For example, the department previously announced a Notice of Intent for a $225 million program funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to implement resilient building energy codes. In addition, Secretary Jennifer Granholm called on the international community in July 2022 to join efforts toward clean energy transitions at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum.
DOE has also highlighted the importance of technology development through its national laboratories. Senior Advisor William White emphasized this role during congressional testimony regarding environmental cleanup missions. The Office of Environmental Management recently applied an innovative passive process using crushed marble to improve groundwater quality at a former coal-fired power plant site.
Other recent DOE programs include a $96 million funding opportunity announced in July 2022 to decarbonize transportation by expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and developing cleaner engines. The department has also launched more than 140 programs supporting President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that disadvantaged communities receive significant benefits from federal clean energy investments.
For full eligibility requirements and application instructions related to the Genesis Mission RFA (DE-FOA-0003612), interested parties are directed to consult official DOE resources.
