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Top 25 Grants for AI Startups in 2025

Top 25 Grants for AI Startups in 2025

The landscape for Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups in 2025 is evolving rapidly, creating a significant need for funding and support. Here’s a comprehensive list of the Top 25 Grants available for AI startups in 2025, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and where to apply.
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1. A16z AI Venture Fund

Granting Institution: Andreessen Horowitz
Focus: Investing in early-stage AI startups.
Funding Amount: Varies by project, typically heavier for strong pitches.
Eligibility: Startups focusing on innovative AI solutions across various sectors.
Details: With a commitment to promoting AI innovations, A16z is expected to bolster startup growth through venture funding.
Learn more about A16z funding

2. AI-Informed Discovery and Inquiry Seed Grants 2025

Granting Institution: Johns Hopkins Data Science and AI Institute
Focus: AI-informed discovery projects.
Funding Amount: Up to $25,000
Eligibility: Tenure-track faculty at Johns Hopkins.
Project Timeline: Funds must be utilized between October 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
Explore AI-Informed Grants

3. Ethics of Generative AI Call for Proposals

Granting Institution: Arthur W. Page Center, Penn State University
Focus: Research on generative AI ethics.
Type: Legacy Scholar Grant
Details: Open to proposals that examine ethical implications in public communication for AI.
Check the Grant Details
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4. UKRI BridgeAI Programme

Funding Source: UK Research and Innovation
Funding Amount: £7 million for AI projects
Focus: Trials of AI in diverse sectors including agriculture and transport for small businesses.
Details: Provides both financial support and access to training and expertise.
Learn More About UKRI Funding

5. AI Seed Grant Proposals - AI at Princeton

Granting Institution: Princeton AI Lab
Focus: AI research projects in various disciplines.
Funding Amount: Ranges from $0-30,000 to $61,110.
Eligibility: All Princeton faculty and lecturers.
Project Timeline: Funds awarded January 1, 2025, to be used by June 30, 2026.
Get More Information Here

6. AI Safety Fund

Granting Institution: The AI Safety Fund
Focus: Research assessing safety threats in frontier AI models.
Eligibility: Independent researchers and organizations globally.
Application Timeline: Cybersecurity applications open from November 2024 to January 2025.
Explore AI Safety Fund

7. EIC Accelerator Grants

Granting Institution: European Innovation Council
Focus: Innovative startups in AI with disruptive technologies.
Funding Amount: Up to €2.5 million, plus equity investments.
Eligibility: Small and medium enterprises developing ground-breaking innovations.
Learn More About EIC Grants

8. EIT Urban Mobility Funding

Granting Institution: European Institute of Innovation and Technology
Focus: Solutions addressing urban mobility issues using AI.
Funding Amount: Up to €2 million per company.
Eligibility: Startups that enhance urban life through mobility projects.
Discover EIT Urban Mobility

9. Horizon Europe Funding

Granting Institution: European Union
Focus: Various digital technologies including AI projects.
Eligibility: Open to all sectors that contribute to climate-neutral innovations.
Details: This program has varying funding allocations based on project proposals.
Check Horizon Europe Opportunities

10. Funding Opportunities - Innovate UK

Granting Institution: Innovate UK
Focus: Support for projects exploring AI technologies.
Funding Amount: Available directly related to project scope and innovation impact.
Details: Insightful resources for non-dilutive funding for innovative projects.
Visit Innovate UK
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11. AI Research Fund

Granting Institution: Various private foundations and tech corporations
Focus: Emerging AI research and development projects.
Funding Amount: Varies significantly.
Eligibility: Research institutions and universities initiating groundbreaking AI research.
[Check Relevant Foundation Websites]

12. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Granting Institution: U.S. Government Agencies
Focus: Small businesses creating innovative solutions in AI.
Funding Amount: Up to $250,000 for Phase I, with larger sums for Phase II.
Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses.
Learn More About SBIR

13. National Institutes of Health (NIH) AI Grants

Granting Institution: NIH
Focus: AI applications in healthcare and life sciences.
Funding Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: Research institutions working on public health innovations.
Visit NIH Funding Page

14. AI for Earth Grant

Granting Institution: Microsoft
Focus: Innovative projects leveraging AI for environmental solutions.
Funding Amount: Up to $300,000 for selected projects.
Eligibility: Nonprofits, universities, and NGOs tackling environmental challenges.
Learn About Microsoft AI for Earth

15. AI Innovation Fund

Granting Institution: Various tech investors
Focus: Projects innovating within the AI space.
Funding Amount: Typically ranges between $100,000 to $1 million.
Eligibility: Startups and innovative projects within the technology sector.
[Look for Specific Investor Grants]
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16. Women in AI Fund

Granting Institution: Women’s Tech Network
Focus: Supporting female-led AI startups.
Funding Amount: Up to $100,000
Eligibility: Must be founded or co-founded by women.
Explore Women in AI Opportunities

17. Green AI Initiative

Granting Institution: Various environmental foundations
Focus: Sustainable AI research and applications.
Funding Amount: Varies based on project scope.
Eligibility: Projects aimed at reducing environmental impact through AI technologies.
[Check Specific Foundations]

18. Innovations for AI in Education Grant

Granting Institution: Educational Foundations
Focus: AI tools to enhance learning outcomes.
Funding Amount: Up to $200,000
Eligibility: Startups focused on educational technology.
[Find Out More About Educational Grants]

19. AIM Partnership Grants

Granting Institution: AI in Manufacturing
Focus: Projects that integrate AI into manufacturing processes.
Funding Amount: Up to $500,000
Eligibility: Manufacturing companies introducing AI solutions.
Explore AI in Manufacturing Grants

20. AI for Humanitarian Action Grants

Granting Institution: United Nations
Focus: Using AI for humanitarian issues.
Funding Amount: Up to $250,000
Eligibility: Nonprofits and NGOs tackling crisis situations.
Visit UN AI for Humanitarian Action

21. Techstars AI Accelerator Grants

Granting Institution: Techstars
Focus: Emerging AI startups participating in its accelerator program.
Funding Amount: Typically around $120,000 in exchange for equity.
Eligibility: Must apply and be accepted into the accelerator program.
See Techstars Program

22. Startup Boost AI Grants

Granting Institution: Startup Boost
Focus: Pre-seed funding for startups using AI.
Funding Amount: Up to $25,000
Eligibility: Startups in early development stages.
Explore Startup Boost

23. Black Innovation Fund

Granting Institution: Various partners
Focus: Supporting Black-led AI startups.
Funding Amount: Up to $50,000
Eligibility: Must be a founder from the Black community.
Learn About Black Innovation Funding

24. AI Tech and Data Grants

Granting Institution: Data Strategy Foundations
Focus: Projects that advance AI data strategies and management.
Funding Amount: Up to $150,000
Eligibility: Open to organizations creating innovative data solutions.
Check Data Strategy Organizations

25. Global AI Impact Challenge

Granting Institution: Various international NGOs
Focus: Addressing global issues with AI solutions.
Funding Amount: Varies by challenge.
Eligibility: Open to startups with projects focused on global issues addressed by AI.
Discover Global Challenges
The grants listed above represent a wealth of opportunities for AI startups aiming to innovate and grow. Be sure to check the respective links for application details and the latest updates.
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FAQ

Q: What notable venture funding trends are expected for AI startups in 2025?
A: AI startups in 2025 are anticipated to continue receiving significant investment, building on a strong IPO market which enhances venture funding opportunities. Read more about the trends.
Q: How much funding can Johns Hopkins faculty apply for in the AI-informed discovery grants?
A: Faculty from Johns Hopkins can apply for grants up to $25,000 dedicated to AI-informed discovery and inquiry projects. Learn more about these seed grants here.
Q: What is the focus of the Legacy Scholar Grant from Penn State?
A: The Legacy Scholar Grant aims to support research proposals focusing on the ethics of generative AI in public communication. Find out more about the grant.
Q: What type of support is provided by the UK Government for AI projects in 2025?
A: The UK Government is offering £7 million to fund 120 AI projects targeted at small businesses, as part of a broader £320 million investment in technology missions. Discover more details here.
Q: Who can apply for seed grants from Princeton’s AI Lab?
A: All faculty and lecturers at Princeton University are eligible to apply for AI seed grants, which are available in various funding tiers. Learn more about the application process.
Q: What recent funding developments have emerged for AI startups in 2025?
A: Early 2025 saw remarkable investments for AI startups, with major funding rounds including OpenAI and xAI attracting $6.6 billion and $6 billion respectively. Read the latest funding insights.
Q: What is the EIC Accelerator and how much funding does it provide?
A: The EIC Accelerator offers grants up to €2.5 million, alongside equity investments from €0.5 million to €10 million to support innovative startups in 2025. Explore the funding options here.
Q: What are the research priorities of the AI Safety Fund?
A: The AI Safety Fund focuses on research aimed at identifying safety threats from frontier AI models, including areas like biosecurity and cybersecurity. Find out more about the funding opportunities.
Q: What awards are available to startups in 2025?
A: Several awards for startups in 2025 include the Business Intelligence Group's "Artificial Intelligence Excellence" award and the Stevie Awards. Check the list of startup awards.
Q: How can startups identify the right investors in the AI sector?
A: Startups can identify suitable investors by examining their track records and compatibility. Resources include an open database featuring thousands of VC funds. Discover more about finding the right AI investors.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-06-04 08:45 Top 25