OpenAI is committing $5 million to fund independent research on how generative AI affects teens aged 13 to 17, with individual grants of up to $1 million. The program is open to researchers affiliated with an institution or organization, or with significant relevant experience, in any country, though nations with significant AI adoption are prioritized. Applications close October 6, 2026; selected researchers will be notified by November 13, 2026.
At a glance
| Deadline | October 6, 2026, 11:59 PM PDT |
| Eligibility | Researchers 18+, affiliated with a research institution or organization, or with significant experience in child/adolescent development, well-being, human-computer interaction, or AI impacts; non-profit research only |
| Grant amount | Up to $1 million per project, $5 million total across the program |
| Geography | Open to any country, with priority for nations with significant AI adoption |
| How to apply | Application via SurveyMonkey Apply, submitted as a Google Doc |
| Official link | OpenAI AI and Teen Development Research Grant Program |
Who’s eligible
Per OpenAI’s own criteria, applicants must be 18 or older and either affiliated with a research institution or organization, or bring significant experience relevant to child or adolescent development, well-being, human-computer interaction, AI impacts, or a closely related field.
OpenAI states it is “seeking to fund research rather than for-profit initiatives,” so for-profit organizations won’t be prioritized.
The program is open globally and research can be conducted in any language, though applications themselves must be submitted in English. OpenAI says it welcomes interdisciplinary research and prioritizes proposals from countries with significant AI adoption, without ruling out applicants elsewhere.
What you get
Selected researchers receive funding of up to $1 million per project, with total program funding capped at $5 million across all grants. Up to 10% of a project’s budget can go toward overhead or indirect costs. A panel of internal OpenAI researchers and outside experts reviews applications on a rolling basis rather than waiting for the deadline to begin evaluating.
Funded researchers are expected to deliver working drafts of their research within 12 months of receiving funds.
OpenAI has named priority research areas: teen usage patterns of generative AI and developmental outcomes, emotional and social development, how effects vary across demographics and cultural contexts, and technical interventions, safeguards, and age-appropriate design choices that could make AI use safer for teens.
How to apply
- Prepare a Google Doc covering a project summary, a three-page research proposal, a timeline, a budget (with overhead capped at 10%), ethics statements, team bios, and conflict-of-interest disclosures.
- Submit the application in English through the SurveyMonkey Apply portal before October 6, 2026, 11:59 PM PDT.
- Direct questions to collaborativeresearch@openai.com.
Key dates
- Applications open: September 8, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT
- Application deadline: October 6, 2026, 11:59 PM PDT
- Notification: On or before November 13, 2026
- Working draft due: Within 12 months of receiving funds
FAQ
Who is this grant program actually studying?
The research funded is about teens aged 13 to 17 and how generative AI affects their development. The grants themselves go to adult researchers and institutions, not to teens directly.
Can a for-profit company apply?
OpenAI says it’s prioritizing research over for-profit initiatives, so for-profit organizations are unlikely to be funded under this program.
Does the researcher need to be based in a specific country?
No. The program is open to researchers in any country, though OpenAI prioritizes proposals from nations with significant AI adoption.
What language does the application need to be in?
The application itself must be in English, though the underlying research can be conducted in any language.
How long after funding is the research due?
Funded researchers must provide a working draft within 12 months of receiving their grant.
More opportunities like this: Miller Center Global Impact Accelerator and D-Prize Global Competition.
Source: OpenAI, AI and Teen Development Research Grants and OpenAI application portal.
