OpenAI Teen AI Development Research Grants

OpenAI has committed $5 million to fund independent research into how generative AI affects the lives and development of teenagers. Individual grants of up to $1 million per project are available.

Research Focus

The program targets teens aged 13 to 17 and how AI is shaping their social and emotional development, relationships, wellbeing and safety. Eligible topics include cognitive development impacts, emotional regulation effects, educational outcomes, peer relationship dynamics, and safety vulnerabilities specific to generative AI platforms.

Who Can Apply

The program targets academic institutions, non-profit research organisations and independent scholars with expertise in adolescent psychology, developmental science or digital media effects. OpenAI is seeking input from interdisciplinary fields including child and adolescent development, psychology, public health, human-computer interaction, communication, sociology, anthropology, data science and AI safety.

Timeline

• Programme announced: 8 September 2026
• Applications close: 6 October 2026
• Decisions expected: 13 November 2026

This is a global call, open to qualifying academic institutions, nonprofits and independent scholars anywhere, including Mauritius and the rest of Africa.