Amazon invites researchers to apply for its Research Awards focused on AI for information security. This spring 2026 call targets innovative projects that tackle tough challenges in keeping data and systems safe. With a deadline of May 6, 2026, it’s a chance for academics and qualified researchers to secure funding and resources from a tech giant.
Research Topics Funded
Amazon wants proposals in specific areas where AI can strengthen security. Here are the main topics:
- Trustworthy AI agents for security tasks, including ways to test them in real scenarios.
- Rules and safeguards for AI agents’ access to data and tools.
- Spotting threats, break-ins, or odd behavior in AI systems and cloud setups.
- Using AI for quick responses to incidents and testing defenses through red-teaming.
- AI tools to find and fix software weaknesses.
- Improving base AI models for security work via training methods.
- Protecting AI agent systems, like their tools and setups, from risks such as confused roles.
- Securing AI models during training, with steps to hide data and stop leaks.
- Reinforcement learning applied to security problems.
- Fast graph analysis for finding unusual patterns.
- Learning from incomplete or messy data labels.
- AI to analyze and catch malware, especially in clouds or on devices.
- AI help in writing safe code or upgrading old code.
- Generative AI checks for cloud setup rules.
These areas show Amazon’s push to blend AI with security needs.
Grant Details
Winning projects get solid support without strings attached. Principal investigators can expect:
- Up to $80,000 USD in unrestricted cash on average.
- Up to $40,000 USD in AWS credits for cloud use.
- Training like tutorials and sessions with Amazon experts.
Awards come as one-time gifts. Proposals need a budget in USD, listing expected costs but no admin fees. The final amount depends on reviewers.
Who Can Apply
Not everyone qualifies. The lead researcher must be:
- A full-time faculty at an accredited school, or
- A full-time researcher at a non-profit with official status like a U.S. 501(c)(3).
They also need to be of legal adult age where they live. Each person can submit just one proposal per round.
Application Process
Submit online through Amazon’s portal. Start at the academic research portal. Check the full details on the AI for Information Security page. Act before May 6, 2026, to join this effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for Amazon’s AI for Information Security Research Awards?
The deadline is May 6, 2026. Submit your proposal online through Amazon’s academic research portal before then.
Who can apply for these research awards?
Full-time faculty at accredited schools or full-time researchers at qualified non-profits, like U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations, who are legal adults can apply. Each person may submit only one proposal per round.
What funding and support do winners receive?
Awards include up to $80,000 USD in unrestricted cash, up to $40,000 USD in AWS credits, and training sessions with Amazon experts. They are one-time gifts with no admin fees.
What research topics does Amazon fund in this call?
Topics include trustworthy AI agents for security, threat detection in AI systems, AI for incident response, securing AI models, and generative AI for cloud compliance checks, among others.
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