The National Science Foundation (NSF) Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships (ExpandAI) program aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity within AI research by supporting Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in building AI research capacity and forming partnerships with NSF-funded AI Research Institutes. This initiative is designed to foster a more inclusive AI ecosystem and create new pathways for underrepresented groups in AI, contributing to workforce development and community-based innovation. The program offers two funding tracks—Capacity Building Pilots (CAP) and ExpandAI Partnerships (PARTNER)—each tailored to different stages of readiness for AI research.

The CAP track supports initial AI capacity-building efforts within MSIs that may not yet have substantial AI resources or partnerships. This track offers funding up to $400,000 over two years for activities such as enhancing faculty research capabilities, developing AI-related academic programs, and creating career pathways for students. Projects in the CAP track must include a Capacity Building Plan detailing measurable outcomes, the institution’s need for capacity-building in AI, and a strong commitment of institutional support.

The PARTNER track provides up to $700,000 annually for up to four years for MSIs that already have established AI initiatives. This track focuses on deepening AI research collaborations with existing NSF AI Institutes, promoting mutual growth in AI capabilities and strategic research. Proposals must include a Partnership Roadmap that outlines the objectives and mutual benefits of collaboration, plans for joint projects, community engagement, and a strategy for scaling AI initiatives. For PARTNER proposals, MSIs must secure commitments from AI Institutes to participate actively in the proposed activities.

Eligible applicants are MSIs as defined by specific criteria (e.g., HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges). Institutions must submit a Concept Outline to NSF and receive an invitation to submit a full proposal. Each organization is limited to one proposal per submission window and must await a determination on each submission before applying again. Submission windows are open throughout the year, allowing flexibility in proposal timing, with deadlines detailed in the solicitation.

Proposal submissions require adherence to NSF’s guidelines, including the completion of a Project Summary, Project Description, and detailed Budget Justification. Additionally, proposals must include sections on Broader Impacts, Personnel, and for PARTNER track proposals, an Institute Integration Plan, which details how the collaboration aligns with the AI Institute’s strategic objectives. Supplementary materials, including letters of commitment, are also required.

The NSF review process evaluates proposals based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, considering factors like institutional readiness, quality of partnership plans, and anticipated community benefits. Final selection of awards involves peer review and potential reverse site visits. Selected projects will engage in annual reporting, ensuring alignment with NSF’s goals for accountability and transparency.

NSF anticipates funding 10–15 CAP awards and 5–10 PARTNER awards annually, subject to fund availability. This program not only builds AI capacity but also strengthens community engagement by providing educational and career opportunities in AI for historically underserved populations, contributing to NSF’s broader mission of inclusivity in STEM fields.