DOE // The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI (DE-FOA-0003612)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
This Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity—“The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI” (DE-FOA-0003612)—is a large-scale, multi-agency initiative to fund interdisciplinary teams using AI to accelerate scientific discovery and energy innovation.
You can apply for FY26 Phase I by April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern.
This is a high-priority federal AI + energy program with $293.76 million in total funding available, targeting sectors like advanced manufacturing, biotech, nuclear, fusion, semiconductors, and energy systems.
If you are building AI-enabled science or energy technology and can form a strong multi-institution team, this is a flagship opportunity with significant funding and long-term follow-on potential.
How much funding would I receive?
Phase I: $500,000 to $750,000
Phase II: Envisioned as 3 to 5 times the Phase I award
Total program funding: ~$293.76 million
Project duration:
Phase I: 9 months
Phase II: 3 years
Number of awards: Not specified (depends on merit and available funds)
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports R&D using AI models and frameworks to accelerate scientific discovery and energy systems innovation.
Eligible work includes:
AI-driven scientific workflows and models
Integration of AI with experimental and computational research
Development of digital twins, simulations, and predictive models
Automation of research, experimentation, and analysis
Topic areas include:
Advanced manufacturing
Biotechnology
Critical materials
Nuclear fission and fusion
Quantum information science
Semiconductors and microelectronics
Energy systems and discovery science
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Potential integration into the American Science Cloud (AmSC)
Access to DOE/NNSA National Laboratories, datasets, and infrastructure
Participation in the Genesis Mission ecosystem and consortium collaborations
Opportunity for Phase II expansion (3–5x funding scale)
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key deadlines:
FY26 Phase I Applications: April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern
FY26 Phase II Letters of Intent: April 28, 2026, at 5 PM Eastern
FY26 Phase II Applications: May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern
Phase II (from Phase I awards): December 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern
Selection timing: Not specified in the solicitation
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from multiple DOE offices, including:
Office of Science (SC)
Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI)
Office of Environmental Management (EM)
Office of Electricity (OE)
Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO)
Funding is issued using DOE’s Other Transaction Authority (OTA).
Who is eligible to apply?
All types of domestic applicants (with exceptions noted below)
DOE/NNSA National Laboratories
FFRDCs and other federal agencies (with specific rules)
Industry, universities, and nonprofits
Key requirements:
Must form multi-institutional teams
Phase I teams must include partners from at least two of three categories:
DOE/NNSA National Lab or user facility
Industry
IHE / nonprofit / other
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Competitive applications will:
Demonstrate clear AI advantage in scientific or R&D workflows
Show quantifiable improvements (e.g., predictive power, speed, automation)
Leverage DOE data, infrastructure, or national lab capabilities
Include strong interdisciplinary, multi-institution teams
Align with one of the defined topic and focus areas
Phase I specifically favors:
Proof-of-concept workflows
Measurable indicators of future scalability and impact
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Cost share requirements:
Not required for most applicants
For-profit entities must provide:
≥20% cost share for R&D
50% for demonstration/commercial activities
Teaming requirements are mandatory
Limits on submissions:
One lead application per focus area per institution
Restrictions on PI roles and institutional participation apply (as detailed in the solicitation)
Applications may be declined without review if requirements are not met
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Based on requirements:
Multi-institutional coordination
Technical proposal + budget + compliance documentation
Preparation will likely require significant coordination across partners (not quantified in the solicitation).
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can:
Identify the best-fit topic and focus area
Structure your multi-institution team strategy
Translate your technology into DOE-aligned AI advantage narratives
Develop a clear, competitive Phase I proposal
Support partner coordination, budget strategy, and submission compliance
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.