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AI Computing GPU RFA - Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
webchanzuckerberg.com·chanzuckerberg.com/rfa/ai-computing-gpu/
Relevant to discussions of compute access equity and the role of philanthropic organizations in shaping AI research infrastructure; tangential to core AI safety but illustrates compute governance dynamics.
Metadata
Importance: 25/100organizational reportreference
Summary
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Request for Applications (RFA) for AI Computing GPU resources provides funding and computational support for scientific research. The program aims to democratize access to GPU computing infrastructure for biomedical and scientific researchers who lack institutional resources. It represents a philanthropic effort to bridge the compute gap in academic and nonprofit research settings.
Key Points
- •CZI offers GPU computing resources to researchers through a structured grant application process
- •Program targets biomedical and life sciences researchers who need AI/ML compute but lack institutional access
- •Reflects growing recognition that compute access is a key bottleneck in scientific AI research
- •Philanthropic compute allocation raises governance questions about who controls AI research infrastructure
- •Demonstrates how private foundations are shaping the landscape of AI research capacity
Cited by 1 page
| Page | Type | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Chan Zuckerberg Initiative | Organization | 50.0 |
2 FactBase facts citing this source
| Entity | Property | Value | As Of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chan Zuckerberg Initiative | Infrastructure Investment | 1024 | 2024 |
| Chan Zuckerberg Initiative | GPU Count | 1,024 | 2024 |
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This RFA closed May 12, 2025
# Accelerating and Scaling Biological Sciences With AI
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) invites proposals to build large-scale AI/ML models that cannot be created with conventional university resources. CZI is the only philanthropic organization to fund and build one of the largest computing systems dedicated to nonprofit life sciences research in the world. CZI’s cluster is optimized for AI and machine learning training at scale and comprises 1,024 Nvidia H100 GPUs in an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD configuration with access to VAST fast data storage.
Through competitive allocation of computing power on CZI’s high-performance computing cluster, we will support inspired and cutting-edge model building that will power new approaches to biological discovery.
This grant is for an allocation of CZI’s GPU resource (minimum request of 96 GPU). This is an in-kind award; **there are no cash funds, financial contributions, or fees of any kind associated with the award.**
##### RFA Contact
For administrative and programmatic inquiries pertaining to this RFA, please contact [sciencegrants@chanzuckerberg.com](mailto:sciencegrants@chanzuckerberg.com "Sciencegrants@chanzuckerberg.com (Opens in a new window)"). For technical assistance with SMApply, please contact [support@smapply.io](mailto:support@smapply.io "Support@smapply.io (Opens in a new window)"), or while logged into SMApply, click on the information “i” link in the upper right corner and submit a help request ticket.
##### Key Dates
January 9, 2025
Application portal opens
January 15
February 19
March 19
April 16
Submitted applications will be downloaded for consideration at 1 p.m. Pacific Time on the third Wednesday of every month (as listed) until cluster access is allocated. CZI reserves the right to stop accepting applications at any time.
**Award period and start date:** Applications should be submitted for projects with a maximum duration of one year. Resource-allocation award period and start date will be dependent on project scope and will be determined by CZI and the grantee once the project is selected for an award.
##### Opportunity
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) invites proposals to build large-scale models that cannot be created with conventional university resources. Through competitive allocation of computing power on CZI’s new GPU cluster, we will support inspired and cutting-edge model building that will power new approaches to biological discovery. Priority will be given to models that align with CZI’s work to [build virtual cells](https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.11654 "Build Virtual Cells (Opens in a new window)") in partnership with the scientific community, but all proposals relating to [CZI’s mission](https://chanzuckerberg.com/science/ "CZIâs Mission (Opens in a new window)") to cure, prevent, or manage all diseases by the end of the century will be considere
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