AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (9 Feb 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
What this bill does
This bill, the AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026, would authorize the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a program offering competitive prizes for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. These prizes would be awarded to address specific, measurable, and well-defined "grand challenges" in areas such as national security, health, energy, and cybersecurity. The program would also include a mandatory prize competition focused on AI-enabled cancer breakthroughs, with a minimum prize of $10 million.
The program aims to stimulate AI advancements by encouraging eligible participants, who must be U.S. entities or citizens/permanent residents, to develop solutions. The Director would consult with various federal agencies and seek public input to identify these challenges and establish clear metrics for success. The bill also calls for coordination among federal agencies to identify and publish data sets related to scientific problems that AI could help solve.
Currently, the bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Ted Lieu and referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. If passed by the House and Senate and signed into law, the Director of the National Science Foundation would have 12 months to establish the prize program. The bill also requires the Director to submit reports to Congress detailing the program's activities and outcomes.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
9 Feb 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7434 do?
- This bill, the AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026, would authorize the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a program offering competitive prizes for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. These prizes would be awarded to address specific, measurable, and well-defined "grand challenges" in areas such as national security, health, energy, and cybersecurity. The program would also include a mandatory prize competition focused on AI-enabled cancer breakthroughs, with a minimum prize of $10 million. The program aims to stimulate AI advancements by encouraging eligible participants, who must be U.S. entities or citizens/permanent residents, to develop solutions. The Director would consult with various federal agencies and seek public input to identify these challenges and establish clear metrics for success. The bill also calls for coordination among federal agencies to identify and publish data sets related to scientific problems that AI could help solve. Currently, the bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Ted Lieu and referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. If passed by the House and Senate and signed into law, the Director of the National Science Foundation would have 12 months to establish the prize program. The bill also requires the Director to submit reports to Congress detailing the program's activities and outcomes.
- Has H.R. 7434 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 7434. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7434?
- H.R. 7434 was sponsored by Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36] (D-CA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7434?
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. (9 Feb 2026).
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More bills from Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]
Congressional Authorization for Federal Building Names Act
AI Kill Switch Act
Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act of 2026
American Leadership in AI Act
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