Introducing BAIR Grant

Accelerating Berkeley AI Research & AI Startups

BAIR Grant is the first university-based AI funding program dedicated exclusively to Berkeley's most promising AI researchers. It is an urgent response to nationwide federal cuts in research funding, aiming to reinforce America's leadership in AI.

BAIR Grant is a collaboration between The House Fund, Berkeley AI Research (BAIR) Lab Professors, top AI-first US corporations, and visionary philanthropists. We are launching this program with pioneering BAIR Professors Ion Stoica, Joey Gonzalez, Ken Goldberg, Kurt Keutzer, & Trevor Darrell (all serial entrepreneurs).

Interested Berkeley AI researchers can apply below by Friday by 11:59pm PT on Sunday May 4th

AI Researcher application Corporate & PHILANTHROPIC APPLICATION

Funding Opportunities

BAIR Grant provides two core funding programs to support Berkeley's AI researcher community. Researchers in these programs also get access to mentorship from top Berkeley AI founders, industry leaders, entrepreneurial professors, and government leaders.

Startup Funding Program

Up to $250,000 on an uncapped SAFE
Up to $600,000 in free compute on American infrastructure

Research Funding Program

To be unveiled soon

By Berkeley, For Berkeley

While this program focuses on those conducting research under the BAIR umbrella, we also welcome all UC Berkeley-affiliated AI researchers, including PhD and master's students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, undergraduates, and affiliates to apply.

This program is designed by and for entrepreneurial Berkeley AI researchers to advance UC Berkeley's mission and America's competitive edge in the global AI race while adhering to principles of responsible, ethical, and open AI research.

We believe in the power of this model and plan to open-source it for other top research universities and national labs to follow suit.

Read more about the programs on Medium

100+

Startups Backed

$5B+

Follow-on capital raised

15+

Exits

Since inception in 2016, The House Fund has invested in 100+ startups, including 15+ exits, backing companies like Databricks (valued at $62B+) and Flexport (valued at $8B+), and founders like Robert Nishihara (Founder of Anyscale) and Aravind Srinivas (Founder & CEO of Perplexity). Over 100 firms have follow-on invested $5B+ in our startups.

Our Cal roots run deep. The House Fund’s founder has been building the Berkeley startup community since 2010. Our Part-Time Alumni Partners have founded companies with combined exits over $2 Billion. Our six Faculty Partners are among the world's leading AI experts. Learn more about our team here.

acquisitions

follow-ons

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to apply for the BAIR Grant program?

This program focuses on those conducting research under the BAIR umbrella. We also welcome all UC Berkeley-affiliated AI researchers, including PhD and master's students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, undergraduates conducting research, and affiliates to apply.

When is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline is Sunday, May 4th, 2025 (11:59 PM PT).

What are the terms of the funding?

Up to $250,000 on an uncapped SAFE.

What stage of company will be accepted into the program?

You do not need to have an incorporated company to apply. In fact, this program is designed to provide funding, mentorship, and support prior to starting up.

Do you have to be a company (incorporated) before you apply?

No. However, we can help when the time is right.

If The House Fund has passed on my startup pitch before, can I still apply?

Yes. This program is designed for anyone that has not already received investment and support from The House Fund.

I still have questions about the program. How can I get in touch?

Get in touch with us via email: build [at] thehouse.fund

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