Deadline: 6-May-26
Amazon is offering research funding to advance artificial intelligence applications in information security, including areas like threat detection, secure AI systems, and cloud security. Selected Principal Investigators can receive up to $80,000 in funding plus AWS credits and technical support. The program targets academic and research professionals working on cutting-edge cybersecurity and AI innovation.
Programme Overview
The Amazon AI Research Grant Program supports advanced research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and information security (cybersecurity).
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen secure AI systems
- Improve cyber threat detection and response
- Advance trustworthy and reliable AI models
- Enhance cloud and infrastructure security
It is designed for researchers developing innovative solutions to modern cybersecurity challenges using AI technologies.
Funding and Benefits
Financial Support
- Up to $80,000 USD in unrestricted research funding (average)
- One-time grant (no repayment required)
Additional Support
- AWS credits up to $40,000 USD for cloud computing resources
- Access to AWS training and tutorials
- Opportunities to engage with Amazon scientists and engineers
Budget Requirements
- Must be clearly defined in USD
- Should exclude administrative overhead costs
Key Research Focus Areas
The programme prioritizes high-impact research in:
AI for Cybersecurity
- Threat and anomaly detection
- Malware detection and prevention
- Incident response automation
- Vulnerability management
Secure AI Systems
- Secure and reliable agentic AI systems
- Safe deployment of autonomous AI agents
- Robust access control mechanisms
AI Model Security
- Securing foundation models and generative AI systems
- Safe and secure code generation
- Addressing risks in large language models (LLMs)
Advanced AI Techniques
- Reinforcement learning for security applications
- Handling limited or sensitive datasets
- Privacy-preserving AI methods
Cloud and Infrastructure Security
- Ensuring cloud compliance and governance
- Securing distributed and scalable systems
Key Concepts Explained
Information Security (Cybersecurity)
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, or damage.
Agentic AI Systems
AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action, often used in dynamic environments like cybersecurity.
Foundation Models
Large-scale AI models (e.g., LLMs) trained on vast datasets and adapted for multiple tasks.
Reinforcement Learning
A machine learning approach where models learn by interacting with environments and receiving feedback.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Eligible Applicants
- Full-time faculty members at accredited academic institutions
- Permanent researchers at recognized NGOs
Basic Requirements
- Must be of legal adult age
- Must submit only one proposal per call
Ineligibility Conditions
Applicants are NOT eligible if they:
- Are government employees (outside academia)
- Are subject to U.S. sanctions or export controls
- Were affiliated with Amazon in the past 12 months
- Have close family ties with ineligible personnel
- Participated in Amazon-related procurement decisions
- Reside in restricted regions
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Advances AI-driven cybersecurity innovation
- Supports academic and applied research collaboration
- Strengthens global digital security systems
- Encourages ethical and secure AI development
- Bridges the gap between research and real-world deployment
It contributes to building safer digital ecosystems in an era of increasing cyber threats.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Define Your Research Idea
- Focus on AI applications in cybersecurity
- Align with program priority areas
- Prepare a Research Proposal
- Clearly define objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
- Highlight innovation and real-world impact
- Develop a Budget Plan
- Outline costs in USD
- Exclude overhead or administrative expenses
- Verify Eligibility
- Ensure compliance with all eligibility conditions
- Submit Application
- Apply through the official Amazon submission platform
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting multiple proposals as a single PI
- Including overhead costs in the budget
- Proposing research outside AI and cybersecurity scope
- Failing to demonstrate practical application or impact
- Ignoring eligibility restrictions
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on real-world cybersecurity challenges
- Demonstrate technical depth and feasibility
- Highlight innovation in AI methodologies
- Align clearly with Amazon’s research priorities
- Present a clear and structured budget
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Full-time academic faculty and permanent NGO researchers working on AI and cybersecurity topics.
2. How much funding is available?
Up to $80,000 USD per project, plus $40,000 in AWS credits.
3. Can I submit more than one proposal?
No, only one proposal per Principal Investigator is allowed.
4. What research areas are prioritized?
AI-based cybersecurity, secure AI systems, cloud security, and foundation model safety.
5. Are industry professionals eligible?
No, unless they are affiliated with eligible academic or NGO institutions.
6. Can funding be used for overhead costs?
No, budgets must exclude administrative overhead.
7. What additional benefits are provided?
AWS credits, training resources, and collaboration opportunities with Amazon experts.
Conclusion
The Amazon AI Research Grant Program offers a significant opportunity for researchers to advance innovation in cybersecurity using artificial intelligence. With strong financial support, cloud resources, and expert collaboration, the program enables cutting-edge research that can strengthen digital security systems worldwide.
For researchers aiming to develop secure, scalable, and impactful AI solutions, this programme provides both the funding and ecosystem needed to drive meaningful progress.
For more information, visit Amazon.
