The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced 26 new science and technology challenges under the Genesis Mission, aimed at advancing innovation through artificial intelligence (AI). These challenges address key areas in discovery science, energy, and national security.
The initiative builds on executive orders from President Trump that focus on launching the Genesis Mission and removing barriers to American leadership in AI. The selected challenges are designed to deliver measurable benefits for Americans by leveraging DOE’s AI platforms, facilities, and partnerships with public and private sectors.
“These challenges represent a bold step toward a future where science moves at the speed of imagination because of AI. It’s a game-changer for science, energy, and national security,” said DOE Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Lead Dr. Darío Gil. “By uniting the U.S. Government’s unparalleled data resources and DOE’s experimental facilities with cutting-edge AI, we can unlock discoveries that will power the economy, secure our energy future, and keep America at the forefront of global innovation.”
Assistant to the President and Director of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios stated: “President Trump’s Genesis Mission is mobilizing America’s unmatched scientific infrastructure and AI ingenuity to double the pace of discovery. These 26 challenges are a direct call to action to America’s researchers and innovators to join the Genesis Mission and deliver science and technology breakthroughs that will benefit the American people. We look forward to expanding the list of challenges across Federal agencies to bring even greater impact to the Mission.”
DOE will work with its National Laboratories, industry partners, and academic institutions on these efforts. Some highlighted initiatives include:
– Using AI to improve power grid planning, operations, and security for faster decision-making.
– Digitizing decades of nuclear research data into a searchable database.
– Applying AI in particle accelerators for advances in medicine, materials, and energy.
– Designing materials based on performance goals using AI.
– Modeling underground environments with AI for energy development.
– Automating laboratory experiments for faster discovery in drugs, materials, and energy technologies.
– Integrating AI-driven systems into manufacturing processes.
– Accelerating quantum algorithm development with AI.
– Advancing microelectronics for technological leadership.
The Genesis Mission aims to connect supercomputers, experimental facilities, AI systems, and scientific datasets through an integrated platform intended to double U.S. research productivity within ten years.
DOE Acting Under Secretary of Energy Alex Fitzsimmons commented: “AI has tremendous potential to amplify the Trump Administration’s mission to unleash American energy dominance. Thanks to Secretary Wright’s leadership, these Genesis Mission challenges will help DOE leverage AI-enabled tools to build a more affordable, reliable, and secure energy system for the American people.”
DOE Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Brandon Williams added: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Genesis Mission harnesses AI to strengthen America’s national security. By leveraging AI across our missions—from modernizing our nuclear deterrent to safeguarding critical infrastructure—we will ensure America remains at the forefront of global security and technological leadership. This commitment to applying cutting-edge science and technology protects our nation, marking a pivotal step towards a more secure, prosperous, and innovative future through collaborative federal efforts.”
In recent years,the Department of Energy has also initiated programs such as providing $225 million for implementing updated building energy codes funded by bipartisan legislation; promoted international cooperation on clean energy transitions; emphasized technology development in environmental cleanup; used innovative processes like passive marble treatment for groundwater remediation; invested $96 million in clean vehicle technologies; and launched over 140 programs supporting equity initiatives like Justice40.
For more information about all 26 challenges under this mission or additional details about ongoing DOE projects visit their official website.
