AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced
Summary
NSF-run AI Grand Challenges Program would set bold, prize-backed targets to solve high-impact AI problems across health, security, environment, and more. The bill would let the National Science Foundation design competitions, publish clear problem statements and validation rules, and award cash prizes to winners.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
AI challenge datasets and public reports
This bill would direct OSTP to work with science funders, upon enactment, to identify and publish datasets for grand challenges that AI can address. The NSF Director would have to post problem statements and list active prize competitions on Challenge.gov. Not later than two years after enactment, and every two years after that, the Director would submit a public report about program activities and competitions and post it on the NSF website. Within 60 days after any prize award, the Director would report to relevant congressional committees describing the winning submission and its benefits to the United States.
Large AI cancer prize for researchers
This bill would require the NSF Director, working with OSTP and NIH, to create at least one AI grand challenge on cancer within one year. The cancer challenge would target AI advances in detection, diagnosis, treatment, therapeutics, or other work to increase quality-adjusted life years. Each winner would receive not less than $10,000,000 in cash.
New AI prizes for U.S. businesses
This bill would require the NSF Director to set up an AI Grand Challenges Program within 12 months. The program would run prize competitions under existing prize authorities. Each winner would get at least $1,000,000 in cash and non-cash awards are allowed. Private participants would need to be incorporated and based in the United States, and individual contestants would need U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Mike Rounds
SD • R
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov