A landscape of opportunity exists for organizations at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. This report outlines key federal and corporate grant programs that align with the missions of Dereticular, the Dereticular Academy, and Biz Builder Mike, with a special focus on immediately available funding opportunities.
DeReticular, an AI-focused research and innovation platform, along with its educational arm, the Dereticular Academy, and the thought leadership platform Biz Builder Mike, are well-positioned to secure funding to advance their work in AI, decentralized systems, and entrepreneurship education. The Dereticular Academy’s focus on equipping high school students with the skills to build “AI-Native” enterprises is particularly timely and aligns with numerous national funding priorities.
High-Potential Grant Opportunities for Immediate Application
Based on current solicitations and ongoing programs, the following grants represent the most promising opportunities for which the group could apply immediately.
National Science Foundation (NSF): Advancing AI in Education
The National Science Foundation is a primary driver of innovation in AI and education. Several of their programs are a strong fit for the Dereticular Academy’s curriculum and Dereticular’s research and development goals.
- NSF STEM K-12 Program: This program backs innovative, multidisciplinary research into how AI and other emerging technologies can improve STEM teaching and learning.[1] It seeks projects that create new tools and frameworks and translate research into classroom practice.[1] A proposal from the Dereticular Academy could focus on the development and implementation of its “From Idea to Empire in the AI-Native World” curriculum as a model for AI entrepreneurship education.
- Expanding AI Career and Skilled Technical Workforce Opportunities in Support of High School Students: This initiative aims to increase early access to high-quality AI learning for high school students through courses, certifications, or dual enrollment programs.[1] The Dereticular Academy’s program is a direct match for this funding stream.
Immediate Action: The NSF has ongoing solicitations. A thorough review of the current program announcements on the NSF website is recommended to identify specific deadlines and submission requirements.
U.S. Department of Education: Fostering AI Literacy
The Department of Education has signaled a strong commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into the American education system. This includes funding for AI literacy skills, professional development for educators, and the creation of AI-focused learning experiences.[2]
- Discretionary Grant Programs: The Department of Education frequently releases discretionary grant opportunities focused on educational technology and innovation. A key priority is the appropriate integration of AI into education and the development of an AI-ready workforce.[3] Dereticular’s focus on “Research and Innovation direct to Commercialization” could be leveraged to propose the development of scalable AI education tools.
Immediate Action: Monitor the Federal Register and the Department of Education’s website for specific grant competitions. Recent guidance has confirmed that federal formula and discretionary grant funds can be used to integrate AI into education, signaling a favorable funding environment.[4]
Department of Defense (DOD): Fundamental AI Research
For the research-intensive arm of Dereticular, the DOD offers opportunities to fund foundational AI research.
- Broad Agency Announcement for Fundamental AI Research: The U.S. Army’s Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C) has a standing Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking proposals for fundamental AI research.[5] This could support Dereticular’s work in areas like multi-agent AI workflows and decentralized AI ecosystems. While not directly education-focused, the development of cutting-edge AI technology can have downstream applications in educational tools.
Immediate Action: Review the BAA on Sam.gov for specific research areas of interest and submission guidelines. Proposals are considered on a rolling basis.
Other High-Potential Grant Programs (Future or by Invitation)
Several other grant programs align well with the group’s mission but may not be immediately available for open application.
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program: The Department of Education’s SBIR program (ED/IES SBIR) provides funding for the research and development of commercially viable education technology products.[6][7][8][9][10] This program is an excellent fit for Dereticular’s commercialization goals. Solicitations are typically released annually, so monitoring for the next cycle is crucial. The most recent deadline for Phase I proposals was January 8, 2025.[8]
- Salesforce Foundation: Salesforce is a major supporter of AI and STEM education, with a focus on middle and high school students.[11] However, their strategic grants are by invitation only. Building relationships and visibility within the tech and education philanthropy communities could lead to future opportunities.
- Google.org: The Google.org Accelerator for Generative AI provides significant funding and support. While the most recent application window has closed, this is a program to watch for future cohorts given its alignment with Dereticular’s focus.
Strategic Recommendations for Grant Success
To maximize the chances of securing funding, the following strategies are recommended:
- Leverage the “Thunder” Grant Funding Agent: Dereticular’s own automated Grant Funding Agent, “Thunder,” should be fully utilized to identify and track relevant opportunities as they arise.
- Form Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with established educational institutions, non-profits, and school districts can strengthen grant proposals. The NSF, in particular, encourages partnerships.
- Emphasize “Ecosystem Architecture”: The Dereticular Academy’s unique focus on teaching “Ecosystem Architecture” is a compelling and innovative approach that should be highlighted in proposals.
- Focus on Measurable Outcomes: Clearly define the expected impact of the proposed projects, including metrics for student learning, workforce readiness, and the commercialization potential of new technologies.
By strategically pursuing these grant opportunities, Dereticular, the Dereticular Academy, and Biz Builder Mike can secure the resources needed to expand their impact on the future of artificial intelligence and education.
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