Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Funds the mathematics that explains why AI works and where it fails β $500,000 to $1.5 million for cross-disciplinary teams.
Machine learning has produced results across protein folding, language, drug synthesis, recommendation and materials discovery, and nobody can fully explain why it works or where it stops working. NSF's position in this notice is blunt: the foundational gaps are real, they will limit progress, and more computing power and more experiments will probably not close them.
Four NSF directorates fund tβ¦
Mathematical and theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence β what determines the capabilities and limitations of foundation models, generative models, deep learning, statistical learning and federated learning; mathematically grounded design and analysis principles; rigorous characterisation and validation of machine learning algorithms; and provably reliable general-purpose AI.
Sign up free to see the funding breakdown
Sign up free to see the industries in scope
Sign up free to see the full eligibility
Sign up free to see how to apply
Sign up free to see what you submit
Sign up free to see how they score you
Sign up free to see the timeline
Sign up free to see where teams trip up
Guides for this application
All guides βNSF Biosketch Guide: SciENcv, Format, and Examples
Learn how the NSF biosketch works, what SciENcv is used for, how it differs from current and pending support, and what startup teams should prepare.
DocumentsNSF Data Management Plan Example and Writing Guide
Learn how to write an NSF data management plan, what the plan should include, how it differs from NIH data sharing plans, and how startup applicants should handle data.
Write proposalHow to Write a Grant Proposal Reviewers Can Score
Learn how to write a grant proposal around reviewer criteria, evidence, work packages, budget logic, and commercialization for deeptech and R&D funding.
DocumentsGrant Work Plan Template: Work Packages, Gantt, Milestones, and Risks
Use this grant work plan template to structure work packages, tasks, owners, deliverables, Gantt timing, dependencies, and risk registers.
More from NSF
All grants from this funder βGeometric Analysis
πΊπΈNSF Β· United States
Funds differential geometry and its links to partial differential equations, mathematical physics, symplectic and geometric group theory β 60 awards.
Topology
πΊπΈNSF Β· United States
Funds algebraic and geometric topology β homotopy theory, K-theory, knots, manifolds, quantum field theories and topological data analysis.
NSF SBIR Phase I
πΊπΈNSF Β· United States
Funds United States deep-tech startups demonstrating scientific feasibility of novel science and engineering innovations.
NSF SBIR Phase II
πΊπΈNSF Β· United States
Funds United States deep-tech startups extending proven early projects into substantial technology development.
NSF STTR Phase I
πΊπΈNSF Β· United States
Funds United States deep-tech startups partnering with nonprofit research institutions for early-stage feasibility studies.
NSF STTR Phase II
πΊπΈNSF Β· United States
Funds United States deep-tech projects that continue with nonprofit research partners after successful initial feasibility work.
Similar grants
Browse the directory βCICI β Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure
πΊπΈNSF OAC Β· United States
Funds United States cybersecurity research and infrastructure through the NSF to strengthen resilient digital systems.
Minnesota Job Creation Fund
πΊπΈMN DEED Β· United States
Supports Minnesota employers creating high-quality jobs with incentives tied to facility investment and performance.
Schmidt Science Polymaths
πΊπΈSchmidt Sciences Β· United States
Supports recently tenured faculty with fellowships that enable bold cross-domain research pivots and sustained interdisciplinary leadership.
ARO MURI
πΊπΈARO Β· United States
Supports multidisciplinary university teams pursuing long-range defense research collaborations and shared outcomes.
ART β NSF 25-548
πΊπΈNSF TIP Β· United States
Supports university infrastructure growth in technology transfer through NSF research grants.
NIH SBIR β Receipt (First Post-Reauthorization
πΊπΈNIH Β· United States
Supports United States. small businesses moving vision innovation from feasibility to development.