Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships

The National Science Foundation (NSF), in collaboration with several federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Defense (DOD), has announced the Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships (ExpandAI) program. This initiative aims to foster AI research, education, and workforce development by broadening participation in AI innovation and increasing the engagement of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). The program seeks to enhance AI research capacity, facilitate new educational and career pathways, and encourage diverse participation in AI-related fields. ExpandAI offers two tracks for funding: Capacity Building Pilots (CAP) and ExpandAI Partnerships (PARTNER). The CAP track is designed for MSIs that are in the early stages of AI research development and seek to build foundational AI research, educational initiatives, and infrastructure. CAP projects focus on establishing new AI research programs, designing educational pathways, and increasing faculty and student engagement in AI. The PARTNER track, on the other hand, supports MSIs that have existing AI research or education capacity and wish to establish formal partnerships with National AI Research Institutes. These partnerships aim to advance collaborative AI research, workforce training, and institutional capacity development. To apply for funding, eligible MSIs must first submit a Concept Outline and receive an official invitation to submit a full proposal. This ensures alignment with program objectives before significant resources are invested in a full application. Proposals are evaluated based on their potential to advance AI capacity in MSIs, their alignment with NSF’s strategic goals, and their potential societal impacts. Proposals are reviewed through an expert panel and may include additional stages such as reverse site visits. The total funding available for the ExpandAI program is between $10 million and $17 million annually, with 10-15 CAP awards expected at a maximum of $400,000 over two years per award and 5-10 PARTNER awards, ranging from $300,000 to $700,000 per year for up to four years. Funding is contingent upon budget availability and may change in subsequent years. Cost-sharing is not permitted. Eligible applicants include Minority-Serving Institutions that fall under specific classifications such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other MSIs meeting enrollment thresholds for underrepresented minority students. Proposals must come from accredited institutions of higher education and meet NSF’s eligibility criteria. The submission windows for applications occur multiple times a year, with the current cycle extending through October 17, 2025. Organizations may submit only one proposal per window and must wait for a decision on a previously submitted proposal before applying again. All submissions must comply with NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) requirements and be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. For further information, applicants can contact the ExpandAI Program Team at ExpandAIProgram@nsf.gov or call (703) 292-5111. Additional details, including the complete solicitation document, are available on the NSF website.