A new NSF funding opportunity will support development of AI “Coordination Hubs” in every state and territory. An informational webinar will be held April 14.
By Paul Boyer
As part of its full-throttled promotion of artificial intelligence, the National Science Foundation has announced a new funding opportunity to support development of AI-ready Coordination Hubs in every state and territory.
The NSF TechAccess: AI-Ready America (NSF AI-Ready America) initiative “aims to expand access to AI knowledge, tools, training and capacity building so all Americans can participate in — and benefit from — the AI economy,” according to a statement released by the NSF.
Working in partnership with the Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the Department of Labor, and the Small Business Administration, the NSF expects to make 56 awards, with each Hub receiving $1 million per year for three years. The total anticipated expenditure will be $168 million – $224 million.
According to the NSF solicitation, the Coordination Hubs will expand AI literacy and encourage its “real-world adoption.” The NSF said the project is needed to “close the gap between the nation’s AI capabilities and the workforce, businesses, and communities that need to use them.”
The AI-ready program is part of President Trump’s prioritization of artificial intelligence and quantum information science. Reflecting language used In his AI Action Plan, the NSF and its partner agencies framed the project as one front in the nation’s battle for military and economic superiority.
“Winning the AI race is vital to ensuring continued American dominance in defense, innovation, and economic strength,” said Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler.
In addition to the Coordination Hubs, the agencies will also support a “National Lead” and “AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions.” More information about these funding opportunities will be released later.
Responses to the Coordination Hubs funding opportunity are due by Tuesday, June 23, 5 p.m. EDT. To learn more, register for an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 14, at 1 p.m. EDT. You may also visit the Tech Access: AI-Ready America webpage.
Paul Boyer is editor of the Hub website and serves as a senior consultant for the NSF-TCUP Hub project.
