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 more than 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 intended to foster collaboration across scientific communities and accelerate innovation in addressing complex national issues. 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 is scheduled for March 26.
DOE’s recent efforts include a Notice of Intent for a $225 million program supporting resilient building energy codes funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law according to the department. In July 2022, Secretary Jennifer Granholm encouraged international cooperation on clean energy at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum as shown in a DOE video. Technology development at national laboratories has also been highlighted as crucial for environmental cleanup missions according to testimony before Congress.
Other DOE initiatives include innovative groundwater remediation techniques at Savannah River Site as reported by the Office of Environmental Management, a $96 million funding opportunity aimed at decarbonizing transportation through expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure according to DOE announcements, and support for President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative through more than 140 programs delivering clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities as detailed by DOE.
Full eligibility requirements and application instructions are available under NOFO: DE-FOA-0003612 on the official DOE website.
