The Foresight Institute is launching a decentralized network of “AI Nodes” in San Francisco and Berlin to foster AI-driven progress in science and safety.
This initiative aims to prevent the dangerous centralization of talent and compute power by empowering a mission-aligned ecosystem of independent researchers.
The program specifically targets “AI-first” projects where artificial intelligence serves as the primary engine for advancement.
Key focus areas for these grants include AI for security, private AI, decentralized intelligence, neurotechnology, longevity biotechnology, and molecular nanotechnology.
Funding and benefits
Participants can access a share of approximately $3 million in annual funding, with individual grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
Beyond financial aid, the institute provides dedicated office space and local compute resources, particularly for privacy-oriented projects.
Grantees are also invited to join a collaborative ecosystem of builders through travel-paid workshops and community events in both hub cities.
The value of these nodes stems from peer collaboration and the spontaneous work that happens between formal programming.
Application requirements and eligibility
Applications are open to individuals, teams, and organizations, including both non-profits and for-profits.
The program seeks high-risk, high-reward projects that demonstrate the potential to reduce existential risks from AI or advance scientific frontiers within the next one to three years.
While “funding-only” grants are considered in exceptional cases, the institute strongly prioritizes applicants who plan to be active, in-person members of the San Francisco or Berlin hubs.
Open-source projects are also generally preferred during the selection process.
Proposals undergo an initial in-house review followed by technical evaluation from expert advisors.
Successful applicants must pass a due diligence process and agree to basic reporting requirements, including brief progress updates at regular intervals.
Deadline
The next application deadline is May 31, though the program reviews submissions on the last day of every month until the nodes reach capacity.
The typical review period takes approximately two months after each deadline, with winners invited to build together in the physical hubs.
To apply, visit The Foresight Institute call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
