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Accelerating Foundation Models Research (AFMR)

Accelerating Foundation Models Research (AFMR)

Funds academic researchers globally through Azure compute and model API credits for AI alignment, safety, and scientific discovery.

The Accelerating Foundation Models Research (AFMR) program was a Microsoft Research initiative that provided in-kind Azure cloud credits and foundation model API access to academic researchers globally who were studying AI alignment, human-AI interaction, and scientific discovery via large-scale AI models. During its active cycles, the program attracted approximately 400 proposals from 170 univers

Funds academic researchers globally with Azure cloud credits and foundation model API access to advance AI alignment, human-AI interaction, and scientific discovery using large-scale AI models.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Credits
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 29 May 2026Source: www.microsoft.com