The Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge is a grant program developed by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) under the newly established Massachusetts AI Hub. This initiative, which is a key component of Governor Healey's AI Hub announced on December 19, 2024, seeks to encourage the development of domain-specific artificial intelligence (AI) models. These models are expected to catalyze scientific breakthroughs, accelerate the commercialization of AI applications, and generate substantial public benefits. The challenge primarily focuses on AI applications that have potential for downstream impacts in critical industries over the next three years.

The challenge is aligned with the strategic goals of the AI Hub, which aims to foster ethical and transformative AI advancements within Massachusetts. This initiative builds on the recommendations from the Strategic AI Task Force and is designed to leverage the state's strong innovation ecosystem. Priority industry sectors identified for funding include health care, life sciences, financial services, robotics, advanced manufacturing, climate technology, and education.

Through the Massachusetts AI Models Innovation Challenge, funding of up to $1 million is available to AI researchers and developers. Applicants are invited to propose innovative methods for training new foundation models or fine-tuning open-source models, adapting them to specific use cases. This approach encourages applicants to focus on domain-specific innovation and dataset curation rather than the development of entirely new AI architectures. However, applicants can propose the creation of entirely new AI models, provided the approach fits within the funding cap and justifies the need for a new model.

As a bond-funded program under MassTech’s Tech & Innovation Fund, this challenge has specific restrictions. All funded activities, materials, equipment, and tools must be capitalized and accounted for as capital expenditures. Therefore, operating expenses will not be covered by the grant and must be financed by the applicant or their partners. Additionally, applicants are required to match 25% of the requested funding, which can be provided in cash or in-kind contributions.

Eligibility for the grant is limited to college or university-affiliated entities, non-profit research institutions, and other legally organized non-profit organizations within Massachusetts. Collaboration with academic institutions, research entities, and private companies, including startups and large corporations, is encouraged. While private companies may participate, the lead applicant must be a non-profit organization. The collaborative aspect of the application is vital, and applicants must demonstrate meaningful partnerships with key industry players.

Key dates for the application process are as follows: the application period opens on January 13, 2025, with a deadline for submission on February 28, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST. An informational webinar will be held on January 29, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. EST to provide an overview of the program and answer any questions. Notifications of awards will be made in May 2025. Applicants must submit their applications electronically to both the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s email (proposals@masstech.org) and Megan Marszalek, the program manager (marszalek@masstech.org).