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 intended to foster breakthrough ideas and collaborations that leverage the expertise of various sectors. 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 recent efforts include a Notice of Intent in July 2022 announcing a $225 million program funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to implement resilient building energy codes according to the department. In addition, Secretary Jennifer Granholm encouraged international collaboration on clean energy at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum as seen in a video released by DOE.
Technology development remains central to DOE’s mission; William White from DOE’s Office of Environmental Management highlighted before Congress how national laboratories contribute significantly to cleanup missions according to his testimony. At Savannah River Site (SRS), an innovative passive process using crushed marble is being used by DOE’s Office of Environmental Management and its contractor to improve groundwater quality according to DOE.
DOE has also announced other major funding opportunities recently: a $96 million initiative was launched in July 2022 aimed at decarbonizing transportation through expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure and cleaner engines according to the department. Furthermore, DOE supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative with more than 140 programs designed so that disadvantaged communities receive at least forty percent of federal clean energy investments as reported by DOE.
Applications for the Genesis Mission RFA are now open with further details available under NOFO: DE-FOA-0003612.
