Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a key tool supporting the development of science – from health research to climate change analysis. In response to the growing importance of AI in the research world, Google.org has announced a global grant program, Impact Challenge: AI for Science, aimed at accelerating groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
This initiative is directed toward organizations and research institutions that leverage artificial intelligence to solve the most pressing challenges of the modern world.
What is the AI for Science program?
AI for Science is a global grant program with a budget of $30 million, designed to support scientific projects that harness the potential of artificial intelligence.
The goal of the initiative is to accelerate research and enable the implementation of projects that could lead to breakthrough discoveries – in both the health and environmental sectors. The program combines funding with access to Google's advanced technology and expertise, allowing organizations to develop projects on a much larger scale.
By utilizing generative and agentic artificial intelligence, researchers can analyze data faster, create predictive models, and discover new correlations that were previously difficult to capture.
Who can apply for a grant?
The program is aimed at organizations operating at the intersection of science and technology. Support can be sought by:
- Non-profit organizations,
- Academic and research institutions,
- Social enterprises.
The key requirement is the implementation of a project with a clear social impact that uses artificial intelligence to solve real scientific or environmental problems.
Funding amounts and technological support
Selected organizations can count on significant financial support from Google.org – grants ranging from $500,000 to as much as $3 million USD. Additionally, they gain access to the Google.org Accelerator program, designed to solve major scientific challenges using generative AI and agentic technologies.
This program, delivered through a multi-month collaboration, enables the rapid development and deployment of innovative solutions with high social impact. Participants also receive free, dedicated technical support from Google experts, significantly increasing the project's chances of success.
This combination of financial resources and technological backing significantly boosts the prospects for the effective implementation of research projects.
Key areas of support
The program focuses on projects that can bring breakthrough results in two main areas:
1. Health and Life Sciences
Initiatives related to research in genomics, biology, medicine, or the functioning of the human body. The goal is to improve quality of life and develop new methods for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Climate and Environmental Sciences
Projects concerning climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, or ecosystem protection. AI can help in better understanding Earth's processes and support actions for sustainable development.
By concentrating on these areas, the program supports solutions that have a real impact on the future of the planet and the health of societies.
Project evaluation criteria
Applications for the Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Science are evaluated according to clearly defined criteria aimed at identifying projects with the greatest scientific and social potential. The organizers focus not only on the innovation of ideas but also on their real feasibility and scalability.
1. Scientific Ambition and Impact
Projects should address key challenges in areas such as health and life sciences or climate resilience and environmental sciences. It is essential that proposed solutions are based on reliable data and have clearly defined, measurable goals and success indicators.
2. Innovative and Responsible AI
Use Artificial intelligence should be a central element of the project. At the same time, its use must comply with the principles of responsible AI development, and the resulting solutions should – where possible – be available to the wider community (e.g., in an open-source model or as open datasets).
3. Feasibility
Every project must be backed by a realistic action plan, including a timeline, budget, and clearly defined resources. The experience of the team, which should possess the appropriate technological and domain expertise to fulfill the objectives, is also of key importance.
4. Scalability and Sustainability
An important element of the evaluation is the project's potential for further development and application on a larger scale. Organizers look at whether the solution can be used more broadly – in other fields of science, regions, or contexts – and how it will be maintained and developed in the long term.
Which projects have the best chance?
Google.org is looking for projects that use AI to accelerate scientific research and discovery. Particularly valued are initiatives that:
- Solve significant scientific or environmental problems,
- Utilize advanced AI models and data analysis,
- Have the potential to achieve breakthrough results,
- Can be implemented or expanded on a larger scale.
A vital element is also the practical application of research results – projects should not only advance science but also bring social benefits.
Selection process and deadlines
Applications are evaluated by Google experts, independent specialists, and partner organizations. The selection process includes an analysis of technological potential, social impact, and project feasibility.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 17, 2026, which gives organizations limited time to prepare their applications.
The application form is available here: Link to the application form
Summary: Why AI is changing the face of science
Artificial intelligence is redefining how scientific research is conducted by accelerating the analysis of massive datasets, automating key stages of work, and enabling the discovery of relationships that were previously beyond human reach. Thanks to AI, scientists can build advanced predictive models faster, optimize experiments, and significantly increase the efficiency of research teams.
Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Science is one of the most important initiatives supporting the development of science through the use of AI. With a $30 million budget and comprehensive technological support, the program opens new opportunities for research and scientific organizations worldwide. This is a unique chance to realize projects leading to breakthrough discoveries in health, climate, and the environment – and thus make a real impact on the future of our civilization.