The Department of Energy has identified science and technology challenges of national importance to advance the Genesis Mission and accelerate innovation and discovery through artificial intelligence.
These challenges span DOE’s core missions in energy dominance, discovery science, and national security, and are designed to deliver measurable benefits for the American people. Each challenge was selected for its potential to harness the Genesis Mission’s AI platforms, world-class facilities, and public-private partnerships to drive scientific breakthroughs and real-world impact.
The Genesis Mission will accelerate the design and deployment of safe, advanced reactor technologies—including modular nuclear reactors—and fusion power sources to provide abundant, affordable, and resilient energy. The initiative will also modernize America’s electric grid.
The Genesis Mission will use advanced, physics-aware AI to accelerate scientific discovery. Scientists will create new breakthroughs in materials and chemistry, deepen our understanding of the universe, and help develop new quantum algorithms.
The Genesis Mission will allow the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to create and apply advanced AI technologies focused on all aspects of its national security mission. These systems will ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile and accelerate the development of defense-ready materials.
Featured Challenges
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Novel AI could discover new quantum algorithms by automating and optimizing their design and translating them into applications without requiring prior domain knowledge.March 31, 2026 -
Automating at least some parts of the scientific experimental scheme will both increase the volume of data produced for improved AI models and improve the repeatability of experiments.March 31, 2026
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Building construction faces high costs and long timelines due to fragmented permitting and poor data interoperability.March 31, 2026
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Water availability is essential for expanding production and utilization of energy, as well as the nation’s health and security.March 31, 2026
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Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil serves as DOE’s director for the Genesis Mission. Subscribe to the office’s newsletter or follow Dr. Gil on social media for Genesis Mission updates.