The OpenAI Cybersecurity Grant Program is a $1 million initiative launched by OpenAI to promote and quantify the use of artificial intelligence in enhancing cybersecurity defenses. This program is designed to empower cybersecurity defenders by offering funding and support for AI-driven solutions that prioritize safety and public benefit. OpenAI emphasizes the potential of AI to shift the traditional advantage that attackers have in cybersecurity, fostering a collective, proactive defense strategy through global collaboration.

This grant initiative targets projects that aim to enhance the practical applications of AI in defensive cybersecurity. It supports innovations that could automate and improve existing security processes such as incident response, threat detection, vulnerability management, and secure software development. OpenAI is particularly interested in projects that propose methods to quantify the effectiveness of AI models in cybersecurity tasks, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of AI's role and capability in this field.

Eligible projects may involve a wide range of objectives, including developing AI tools to detect social engineering, automate forensic analyses, patch vulnerabilities, or even help port legacy code into more secure programming languages. Additionally, proposals that support user education in security best practices or assist developers in creating secure software by design are encouraged.

OpenAI will offer funding in increments of $10,000 USD, disbursed through API credits, direct funding, or similar forms of support. A crucial stipulation for all funded projects is the intention to license or distribute the resulting work for public benefit, thereby maximizing the impact of these innovations. Offensive cybersecurity projects, however, are explicitly excluded from this program.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no specific deadlines mentioned, allowing for ongoing submission and evaluation. OpenAI expresses a strong preference for practical applications with clear, scalable benefits to defenders. Those interested in applying must submit a proposal detailing their project, its goals, and how it aligns with the public-interest focus of the program.

The grant does not list specific contact persons or direct communication lines, but applications are facilitated through a submission form available on OpenAI’s website. The program was initially announced on June 1, 2023, and remains open to applicants who share the vision of leveraging AI to reinforce cybersecurity on a global scale.