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National Science Foundation

Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

Funds the mathematics that explains why AI works and where it fails — $500,000 to $1.5 million for cross-disciplinary teams.

OpenNational Science FoundationUnited States

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 t

Mathematical and theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence — 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.

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.9 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$8.5M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: 24-569Source: www.grants.gov