The National AI Research Institutes, led by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), are strategic investments in the foundational science behind AI and its use in critical sectors of the economy.
They consist of 29 institutes that connect over 500 funded and collaborative institutions across the U.S. and around the world.
Launched in 2020 and funded at about $20 million each over five years, these institutes represent one of the biggest public-private investments to date in AI research and development.
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About the AI Institutes
From designing new materials and medicines to improving cybersecurity, the AI Institutes are advancing research that benefits all Americans. By building open-source tools and fostering collaboration across universities, companies and government, these investments ensure that AI breakthroughs don't stay locked in labs — they reach the people who need them.
The institutes are bringing advances in critical pillars of the economy, including but not limited to:
- Agriculture and food supply chains.
- Materials discovery.
- AI and advanced cybersecurity.
- Human-AI interaction and collaboration.
- AI-augmented learning.
The AI Institutes bring together federal agencies, tech leaders and regional partners to build solutions that meet demonstrated needs in their communities. These collaborations extend resources, accelerate progress and strengthen the U.S. innovation ecosystem and workforce pipeline.
Moreover, the AI Institutes are training a new generation of talent for high-growth sectors like biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, education and defense. Through hands-on research, partnerships with industry and cutting-edge curricula, they are preparing students and professionals to lead in a future shaped by AI.
