AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026
Latest action (9 Feb 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026 would direct the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a competitive prize program, called the AI Grand Challenges Program, to encourage artificial intelligence research and development. Working with the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee and other agencies, the Director would select specific "grand challenges" in areas such as national security, cybersecurity, health, energy, transportation, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and cross-cutting AI issues like safety and bias. Winners would receive cash prizes of at least $1,000,000, with larger awards possible under existing federal prize-competition law. The bill also requires a dedicated competition, with prizes of at least $10,000,000, focused on AI-driven cancer breakthroughs.
The program would primarily affect researchers, companies, and organizations eligible to compete—U.S.-incorporated private entities and U.S. citizens or permanent residents—as well as federal agencies like NSF, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, NIH, and NIST, which would help design and fund challenges. The NSF would also coordinate with other agencies to publish relevant scientific data sets. The Director must report to Congress on winning submissions and provide biennial public reports on the program's progress.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 9, 2026, by Sen. Cory Booker with two cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet been voted on and would need committee and floor action in both chambers before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on February 9, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 3809 do?
- The AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026 would direct the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a competitive prize program, called the AI Grand Challenges Program, to encourage artificial intelligence research and development. Working with the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee and other agencies, the Director would select specific "grand challenges" in areas such as national security, cybersecurity, health, energy, transportation, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and cross-cutting AI issues like safety and bias. Winners would receive cash prizes of at least $1,000,000, with larger awards possible under existing federal prize-competition law. The bill also requires a dedicated competition, with prizes of at least $10,000,000, focused on AI-driven cancer breakthroughs. The program would primarily affect researchers, companies, and organizations eligible to compete—U.S.-incorporated private entities and U.S. citizens or permanent residents—as well as federal agencies like NSF, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, NIH, and NIST, which would help design and fund challenges. The NSF would also coordinate with other agencies to publish relevant scientific data sets. The Director must report to Congress on winning submissions and provide biennial public reports on the program's progress. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 9, 2026, by Sen. Cory Booker with two cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet been voted on and would need committee and floor action in both chambers before becoming law.
- Has S. 3809 become law?
- Not yet. As of 9 Feb 2026, S. 3809 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 3809?
- S. 3809 was sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker [D-NJ] (Democrat-NJ), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3809?
- Introduced (9 Feb 2026).
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