Artificial intelligence is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen economies, drive scientific breakthroughs and strengthen global cyber security. Realizing AI’s potential goes hand in hand with a commitment to its responsible development. Therefore, in 2023 Google launched the Digital Futures Project to support independent thinkers working to facilitate dialogue and inquiry into the potential and impact of this transformative technology.
Today, Google.org is announcing a total of $15 million in funding to support a new group of think tanks and academic institutions – reaffirming our commitment to navigating the future of artificial intelligence together.
Expansion of the Digital Futures Fund
Our 2023 batch of Digital Futures Fund grants has already begun to provide vital perspectives. Through deep collaboration between industry, academia, and civil society, these researchers explore critical questions around AI governance, security, and economic opportunity. They have looked at how artificial intelligence can help workers globally, from farmers to scientists; how AI can help stay ahead of evolving cyber threats; and how society can build innovation-friendly guardrails.
Building on this momentum, the new group of researchers will focus on three primary pillars critical to a thriving AI ecosystem:
- Work and finances: Exploring AI’s impact on labor markets, sector-specific transformations in manufacturing and healthcare, and the policy environments necessary to maximize workforce opportunities
- Innovation and infrastructure: Understanding the infrastructure and energy requirements required to drive AI leadership and how these advances can drive broader national competitiveness
- Security and management: Development of frameworks for responsible innovation and assessment of how AI can increase the security of critical institutions and companies
This expansion brings our total commitment to the Digital Futures Fund to over $35 million globally since launch. A few of the organizations joining our 2026 cohort include American Compass, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Urban Institute, and the Centro Nacional de Intelligencia Artificial (CENIA).
Building a foundation for the future
The decisions we make today about how to use artificial intelligence will have an impact for generations. As this new group begins its work, we look forward to the insights they will reveal—and help ensure that as AI advances, it does so in a way that is safe, fair, and beneficial to people everywhere. By supporting independent research and fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue, we hope to facilitate deep collaboration between industry, academia, governments and civil society that brings the benefits of artificial intelligence to all.