The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded $20 million to renew the National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence Institute for Advances in Optimization (NSF AI4OPT) through 2031, supporting the institute’s next phase of research, education and innovation.  

Led by Pascal Van Hentenryck, A. Russell Chandler III Chair and professor in Georgia Tech's H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE), NSF AI4OPT brings together researchers, educators, industry leaders, and public-sector partners working to fuse artificial intelligence and optimization for complex challenges in energy systems, supply chains and semiconductor manufacturing. 

The five-year renewal builds on NSF AI4OPT's work while expanding its focus on real-time and interactive optimization, with the goal of developing more scalable, efficient and trustworthy approaches to complex decision-making. 

“I am both delighted and grateful that AI4OPT has been renewed for another five years by the National Science Foundation,” said Van Hentenryck. “This renewal recognizes the talent and dedication of the AI4OPT students, research scientists, faculty, staff, management team and our advisors. By fusing AI and optimization, AI4OPT is changing how we solve energy, supply chain and manufacturing challenges that are at the core of society. I am so incredibly proud of the education initiatives of AI4OPT, from K-12 education to the Faculty Training Program, as well as the return on investment we provided to our numerous industrial partners.” 

Advancing AI and Optimization 

AI4OPT's research addresses increasingly complex systems in which decisions must be made quickly and under uncertainty. During the next five years, the institute will advance foundational and use-inspired research that combines artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization and novel computer architectures.  

A key focus will be real-time and interactive optimization, developing decision pipelines that can operate efficiently at scale and adapt as conditions change. The work will target challenges across critical systems, including energy, supply chains and advanced manufacturing. 

The renewed institute will continue its collaborative research model, bringing together researchers from Georgia Tech, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Southern California and other partner institutions. The partnership combines expertise across AI and optimization while connecting fundamental research with real-world applications. 

At University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Co-Principal Investigator Alper Atamtürk will lead AI4OPT’s “Optimization for AI” research thrust, focused on on developing new optimization models and methods for next-generation AI systems. 

“With a new research focus, we are excited to develop novel optimization models and methods, and leverage modern computer architectures to transform AI and learning, enabling decision pipelines that are scalable, trustworthy, and energy-efficient,” said Atamtürk. 

At the University of Southern California (USC), Co-Principal Investigator Bistra Dilkina will lead the institute’s “AI for Optimization” research thrust, building on the institute’s work applying AI techniques to complex decision-making challenges. 

“This renewal allows us to dig deeper into the substantial advances and innovations that AI4OPT achieved in AI for optimization and optimization for AI, moving basic science toward real-world applications,” said Dilkina. “We are excited to collaborate with our partners to amplify our collective strengths and bring the Seth Bonder camps to K-12 students in the Los Angeles area.” 

Expanding AI Education Access 

Education remains a central part of NSF AI4OPT’s mission. Through its longitudinal education programs for students, educators and policymakers, the institute will expand opportunities to develop AI and computing skills and explore applications in areas such as supply chains, manufacturing and energy systems. 

The education efforts include more K-12 programs, high-intensity camps, online courses, mentorship opportunities and professional development for educators. These programs are designed to broaden access to AI education and prepare learners for an increasingly AI-driven workforce. 

Connecting Research With Impact 

With renewed NSF support through 2031, NSF AI4OPT will build on its research, education and partnerships to advance AI and optimization and expand its impact across critical infrastructure, industry and society. 

Learn more about NSF AI4OPT’s research, education and partnership initiatives at ai4opt.org.