Google.org has announced an additional $15 million in funding to expand its Digital Futures Fund, supporting global think tanks and academic institutions working to better understand the impacts of artificial intelligence. The initiative builds on the Digital Futures Project launched in 2023, which aims to foster independent research and dialogue around the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as a transformative force with the potential to strengthen economies, drive scientific innovation, and enhance global cybersecurity. However, its rapid advancement also requires careful governance and responsible development. Through this latest funding round, Google.org is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that AI evolves in a way that is secure, equitable, and beneficial to society.
The expansion follows early contributions from the 2023 cohort of Digital Futures Fund grantees, whose research has explored key issues such as AI governance, economic opportunities, and cybersecurity risks. Their work has examined how AI can support diverse sectors, from agriculture to scientific research, while also helping to address emerging cyber threats and establish effective safeguards for innovation.
The newly funded cohort will focus on critical areas shaping the future of AI, including its impact on jobs and the global economy, the infrastructure and energy demands required to sustain AI growth, and the development of governance frameworks to ensure responsible use. These research efforts aim to provide insights into how AI can transform industries such as manufacturing and healthcare, while also strengthening institutional resilience.
With this latest investment, Google.org’s total commitment to the Digital Futures Fund now exceeds $35 million globally. Organizations joining the 2026 cohort include American Compass, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Urban Institute, and Centro Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial.
By supporting independent research and encouraging collaboration among industry, academia, governments, and civil society, the initiative aims to guide informed decision-making on AI. As the technology continues to evolve, the insights generated through this program are expected to play a key role in shaping policies and frameworks that maximize its benefits while addressing potential risks.
