AISI Challenge Fund
The AISI Challenge Fund is an initiative delivered by the AI Security Institute on behalf of DSIT. As AI technologies rapidly evolve, collaboration with the research community is essential to safely develop the next generation of AI tools, evaluations, and mitigations. We will provide funding for leading AI experts around the world to address gaps and challenges identified in AISI's priority research areas, which are necessary to solve in order to develop safe and secure AI systems. The Fund will award grants ranging from £50,000 to £200,000 per project, tailored to the scope of proposals. While we are particularly interested in AISI’s priority research areas, we also welcome proposals that explore other innovative and impactful topics on safe and secure development of AI systems.
- Opening date:
- Closing date: (Midnight)
Contents
Summary
What are we looking for?
The AISI Challenge Fund encourages researchers affiliated with eligible academic institutions, research bodies and non-profit organisations to submit their solution in response to the following Challenge Statement:
We are seeking applications focused on proposals that address AISI's Priority Research areas. Proposals should demonstrate clear pathways to impact and offer research that would not otherwise occur without this funding.
What will AISI provide? The Fund will award grants ranging from £50,000 to £200,000 per project. As the first ever government-backed AI institute, working with AISI also offers a unique opportunity to translate research on safe AI development into real-world impact.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants: Researchers based at UK and international academic institutions and non-profit organisations, subject to due diligence requirements.
Eligible scope: The Challenge Fund is broadly constructed to fund a wide range of projects which contribute to the overall field of safe AI development. Please see Application Pack for research areas we are particularly interested in.
Objectives
The AISI Challenge Fund aims to:
Stimulate high-quality research aligned with AISI’s strategic focus areas;
Foster innovation by funding novel, cutting-edge research projects;
Bridge the gap between AISI and academia to accelerate the development of safe and secure AI solutions.
Dates
Fund Launch and Applications Open: 05th March 2025
Stage 1: Eligibility Statement and Expression of Interest (EOI) Shortlisting: Within 12 weeks of date of submission of application
Stage 2: Full Application Form Submission: Shortlisted applicants will work with an AISI Research Sponsor to iterate and complete their full application. Timeline will be agreed on a case-to-case basis, depending on the nature and scope of proposal and the level of iteration required.
Funding decision: Within 12 weeks of submission of full application
Project initiation: Within 4 weeks of signing the Grant Funding Agreement
Payment: Payment will be made at the end of the research project, subject to submission and approval of a final evaluation report. Depending on the timeline, nature, and scope of the research project, we may consider milestone-based part payments in arrears. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis and reflected in the Grant Funding Agreement.
How to apply
The application process is managed through Apply for a Grant. To ensure applicants meet the eligibility criteria and align with the objectives of the Fund, we have implemented a two-stage application process:
1. Eligibility Statement and Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
All prospective applicants are required to complete an Eligibility Statement and EOI form.
This allows us to assess preliminary eligibility and determine whether applicants’ proposals are suitable to proceed to the next stage of development and assessment.
2. Shortlisting and Invitation to Submit a Full Application
Following the review of eligibility and EOIs, shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
As part of this process, they will have the opportunity to work closely with AISI Research Sponsors to refine their proposals and help strengthen their submissions before final assessment.
Supporting information
Our AISI Challenge Fund Application Pack should provide you with all pertinent details about the programme.
For further questions or clarifications, you may refer to our Clarification Questions document or message us at aisichallengefund@dsit.gov.uk.