The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced the creation of a new program that will significantly advance research in AI and accelerate the development of transformational, AI-powered innovation by allowing researchers to focus on larger-scale, longer-term research. The National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes program anticipates approximately $120 million in grants next year to fund planning grants and up to six research institutes in order to advance AI research and create national nexus points for U.S. universities, federal agencies, industries, and nonprofits. "Advances in AI are progressing rapidly and demonstrating the potential to transform our lives," says NSF Director France Córdova. "This landmark investment will further AI research and workforce development, allowing us to accelerate the development of transformational technologies and catalyze markets of the future." "The National Science Foundation is at the cutting edge when it comes to this Administration's efforts to prioritize AI research and development. These institutes will advance our national strategy for U.S. leadership in AI, leverage important multisector R&D partnerships, and support groundbreaking AI innovation for the benefit of the American people," says Michael Kratsios, Chief Technology Officer of the United States, The White House.