U.S., Japan Launch $1 Billion AI Research Partnership Under Genesis Mission

The U.S. Department of Energy and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on June 4 announced a $1 billion strategic research partnership that makes Japan the first international participant in the Genesis Mission, a national initiative focused on accelerating scientific discovery through artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing. President Trump established the Genesis Mission in November 2025 to accelerate AI across scientific research and energy innovation and strengthen U.S. technological competitiveness.

The agreement establishes a five-year framework for joint investments in research infrastructure and scientific collaboration, with each country planning to contribute $500 million, subject to future appropriations. The initiative expands cooperation under the U.S.-Japan Technology Prosperity Deal signed in 2025 and creates a long-term platform for collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, universities, industry participants, and philanthropic organizations in both countries.

The partnership brings together eleven joint research teams involving twelve DOE national laboratories, one DOE Office of Science user facility, and twelve leading Japanese research institutions. Research efforts will focus on quantum information science, fusion energy, biotechnology, advanced materials, particle physics, and autonomous laboratory systems, with an emphasis on using AI and robotics to accelerate scientific discovery.

Initial projects include collaboration among RIKEN, the University of Tokyo, the National Institute for Materials Science, and DOE laboratories to develop autonomous laboratories capable of conducting and optimizing experiments with limited human intervention. Additional partnerships involving the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, RIKEN, the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex, DOE laboratories, and federal research facilities will support advancements in particle accelerator technologies and related scientific applications.

The initiative also expands access to advanced computing resources, including DOE’s high-performance computing systems and Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer. Building on a January 2026 statement of intent, the partnership advances the Genesis Mission’s objective of increasing the productivity and impact of scientific research through AI, advanced computing, and international collaboration.