The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced 26 new science and technology challenges as part of the Genesis Mission, aiming to accelerate innovation and discovery through artificial intelligence (AI). These challenges are designed to advance DOE’s goals in discovery science, energy, and national security.
According to the DOE, each challenge was selected for its potential to deliver measurable benefits for Americans and speed up advancements using AI platforms, experimental facilities, and public-private partnerships.
“These challenges represent a bold step toward a future where science moves at the speed of imagination because of AI. It’s a game-changer for science, energy, and national security,” said DOE Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Lead Dr. Darío Gil. “By uniting the U.S. Government’s unparalleled data resources and DOE’s experimental facilities with cutting-edge AI, we can unlock discoveries that will power the economy, secure our energy future, and keep America at the forefront of global innovation.”
Assistant to the President and Director of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios stated: “President Trump’s Genesis Mission is mobilizing America’s unmatched scientific infrastructure and AI ingenuity to double the pace of discovery. These 26 challenges are a direct call to action to America’s researchers and innovators to join the Genesis Mission and deliver science and technology breakthroughs that will benefit the American people. We look forward to expanding the list of challenges across Federal agencies to bring even greater impact to the Mission.”
The DOE highlighted several focus areas among these challenges:
– Improving power grid planning with AI for faster decision-making and better reliability.
– Digitizing decades of nuclear research data for future use.
– Using AI in particle accelerators for advances in medicine, materials, and energy.
– Designing new materials more quickly by applying AI tools.
– Modeling underground environments with AI for responsible energy development.
– Automating laboratory experiments through autonomous systems.
– Bridging research with manufacturing using AI-driven processes.
– Accelerating quantum algorithm development with AI support.
– Advancing microelectronics production in the United States.
These efforts will involve collaboration between DOE National Laboratories, industry partners, and academic institutions.
DOE Acting Under Secretary of Energy Alex Fitzsimmons commented: “AI has tremendous potential to amplify the Trump Administration’s mission to unleash American energy dominance. Thanks to Secretary Wright’s leadership, these Genesis Mission challenges will help DOE leverage AI-enabled tools to build a more affordable, reliable, and secure energy system for the American people.”
DOE Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Brandon Williams added: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Genesis Mission harnesses AI to strengthen America’s national security. By leveraging AI across our missions—from modernizing our nuclear deterrent to safeguarding critical infrastructure—we will ensure America remains at the forefront of global security and technological leadership. This commitment to applying cutting-edge science and technology protects our nation, marking a pivotal step towards a more secure, prosperous, and innovative future through collaborative federal efforts.”
The announcement follows other recent initiatives from DOE aimed at improving resilience in utility bills through programs such as $225 million funding under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for building energy codes implementation (https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-225-million-program-lower-utility-bills-through-more), supporting clean vehicle technologies with $96 million in funding opportunities (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-96-million-advancing-clean-vehicle-technologies-reduce-carbon-emissions), as well as launching over 140 programs under President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative targeting investments in disadvantaged communities (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-more-140-programs-supporting-president-bidens-justice40-initiative).
For further information about all 26 Genesis Mission challenges or additional details on these initiatives visit the Department of Energy website.
