U.S. Energy Department Awards First Genesis Mission Projects to Advance Nuclear Energy and AI Research

The U.S. Energy Department on July 22 selected the first group of research projects under the Genesis Mission, a national initiative that combines artificial intelligence with high-performance computing to accelerate scientific discovery across energy, national security, and other research areas. The initial awards establish a broad research portfolio spanning national laboratories, universities, private companies, and non-profit organizations.

The Genesis Mission generated the largest response to a funding opportunity in the department’s history, reflecting growing interest in applying AI to complex scientific challenges. Following a competitive review process, DOE selected 278 projects led primarily by national laboratories and universities, with additional participation from companies and non-profit organizations. In total, 342 institutions will collaborate on projects covering a wide range of energy and technology priorities, including advanced nuclear energy, commercial fusion, critical mineral extraction, semiconductor design, and other strategic research areas that support U.S. competitiveness.

Among the selected efforts, the department identified a three-year, $60 million nuclear energy program as the largest individual investment. The project will develop AI tools to improve nuclear facility design, construction, and operations with the goal of reducing project timelines, lowering operating costs, and enhancing safety. The initiative aligns with broader federal efforts to expand reliable, affordable, and secure electricity supplies while supporting deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

Award recipients will receive access to the Genesis Mission platform, which combines AI software, agent-based research frameworks, and high-performance computing systems available through the DOEs national laboratories and industry partners. The platform is designed to help researchers rapidly develop, test, and refine new scientific methods across multiple disciplines. By pairing advanced computing with AI, the department expects the program to improve research productivity and accelerate the development of technologies that address long-term energy, manufacturing, and national security priorities.