🚨 Funding alert:

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) State and Regional Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Hubs: Expanding Access to Compute for Scientific Discovery (NSF 26-513)

The National Science Foundation is launching a new funding opportunity to establish State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs that expand access to advanced computing resources needed for AI-enabled scientific research. The program is designed to help higher education institutions, government, industry, and philanthropic partners build regional AI ecosystems that strengthen research capacity, develop an AI-ready workforce, and accelerate scientific discovery. While regional consortia are responsible for securing and operating AI infrastructure, NSF funding supports coordination, workforce development, faculty training, and educational programming.

🔧 What it supports:

Supports the creation of statewide or multi-state AI Infrastructure Hubs that coordinate partnerships, expand researcher access to AI computing resources, develop AI infrastructure workforce pathways, strengthen faculty capacity, and create instructional materials that prepare students to use AI in scientific research. NSF funding does not pay for purchasing AI infrastructure itself; instead, it funds the people, partnerships, training, and coordination that maximize its impact.

🎯 Key focus areas include:

• Expanding equitable access to AI computing, data, and software infrastructure
• Building state and regional consortia of higher education, government, industry, and philanthropy
• Accelerating AI-enabled scientific discovery across STEM disciplines
• Developing AI infrastructure professionals and AI-for-science workforce pathways
• Faculty training, curriculum development, and instructional materials
• Workforce programs including internships, apprenticeships, research experiences, and stackable credentials
• Collaboration with initiatives such as the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) and other regional AI efforts

💡 Why it matters:

This opportunity represents a significant investment in regional AI capacity while emphasizing workforce development alongside research infrastructure. Organizations that can convene cross-sector partnerships will be well positioned to strengthen AI talent pipelines, expand research competitiveness, and support long-term economic development. The program also creates opportunities for community colleges, smaller institutions, and regional workforce partners to play meaningful roles in AI ecosystem development.

📌 How to apply:

Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education and certain nonprofit research organizations. Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Full proposals are due November 4, 2026, with future deadlines on the first Wednesday in November each year. NSF anticipates making approximately 10 cooperative agreement awards, with typical awards ranging from $4 million to $12 million over five years. Only one award per state or multi-state region will be made, and collaborative proposals must be submitted as a single proposal led by one organization. Planning proposals are also encouraged for regions that need additional time to organize their consortia.

👥 Who should consider this:

Research universities, community colleges, statewide higher education systems, nonprofit research organizations, state and local governments, workforce development organizations, industry partners, philanthropic organizations, and regional coalitions interested in advancing AI research infrastructure and workforce development should closely evaluate this opportunity.

If your organization is exploring this opportunity, The New Growth Team can help assess strategic fit, build strong regional partnerships, and develop a competitive grant writing strategy that positions your consortium for success. Reach out to start the conversation and strengthen your proposal development early.