To consolidate its leading position in the fields of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology, the United States has launched the "Genesis" AI research program. The Department of Energy simultaneously announced 26 key technological challenges included in the program, covering three core areas: scientific discovery, energy development, and national security. The program aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs across various fields by relying on AI technology, helping to achieve the goal of "making America great again" in the technology sector.
The 26 technological challenges announced this time were selected based on their ability to bring tangible and measurable benefits to the American people. The plan will accelerate the application of technology through the AI platform of the "Genesis" program, world-class research facilities, and a public-private cooperation model. Nearly half of the projects are related to nuclear technology, becoming a major focus of the plan. These include accelerating the implementation of fusion energy, upgrading nuclear energy utilization, advancing the cleanup and repair of nuclear facilities, and strengthening assessments of nuclear threats and nuclear material security.
The U.S. Department of Energy stated that it will use AI technology to integrate historical data from nuclear R&D across the country, focusing on breaking through nuclear fusion technology to continuously strengthen the United States' leading position in the field of nuclear technology. The national laboratories under the Department of Energy will also serve as the core support for nuclear technology research and development. In addition to nuclear technology, other challenges focus on several key strategic areas. In the field of quantum technology, AI will be used to discover quantum algorithms and develop quantum systems for scientific discovery. In the industrial base area, the goal is to revitalize the U.S. microelectronics industry, ensure the security of critical mineral supply, and maintain global leadership in the data center sector. In the fields of biology and materials, the plan will promote the large-scale development of a biotechnology revolution, accelerate the research and certification of materials needed for strategic deterrence, and design new materials with predictable functions. Additionally, the plan includes reimagining advanced manufacturing and industrial productivity, achieving AI-driven autonomous laboratories, upgrading the power grid to support economic development, and unifying physics research from quarks to the universe. These diverse directions comprehensively cover the core needs of U.S. science and technology development and industrial growth.
It is worth noting that the U.S. Department of Energy has only provided descriptions of the goals of these 26 technological challenges, without clearly specifying the specific technical implementation paths or releasing funding investment plans. Industry professionals have stated that the realization of these challenges requires comprehensive supporting measures and continuous financial investment, and technological breakthroughs and industrial applications cannot be achieved in the short term.
The announcement of these 26 challenges is another step in the practical implementation of the U.S. "Genesis" national research program. The program was previously confirmed to be led by the Department of Energy, integrating the research capabilities of 17 national laboratories, top universities, and private enterprises across the country to fully promote the integration and development of AI and cutting-edge technology.
