OpenAI Commits $5 Million to Independent Research on AI and Teens
OpenAI published a post on its own site titled "Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development", dated September 8, 2026. Everything below comes from that post.
Transcript
OpenAI announced five million dollars today for independent research on AI and teenagers.
It funds outside studies of how generative AI affects the social and emotional development of people ages thirteen to seventeen.
The five million is the whole program rather than one project, with individual grants going up to one million dollars.
Review criteria include whether the work complements OpenAI's own research agenda, and preference may go to research involving ChatGPT.
The criteria also require trustworthy findings regardless of whether they favor AI providers, and applications close October sixth.
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Sources
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- OpenAI is committing $5 million to support independent research on how generative AI affects the lives and development of young people ages 13 to 17, with priority topics including how teens use generative AI, potential impacts, technical interventions and safeguards, age-appropriate design, policy approaches, and social and emotional development.(OpenAI's official announcement, "Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development", published September 8, 2026)
- In the FAQ, asked what budget is available per project: "We will award individual research grants up to $1 million and totaling up to $5 million." A maximum of 10% of each project's grant can support overhead or indirect costs.(OpenAI's official announcement, "Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development", published September 8, 2026)
- Eligible applicants must be 18 or older and affiliated with a research institution or organization, and/or have significant relevant experience. OpenAI adds: "Note that we are seeking to fund research rather than for-profit initiatives, so we will not prioritize for-profit organizations at this time."(OpenAI's official announcement, "Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development", published September 8, 2026)
- Review criteria include "Complementarity: The extent to which the work adds to existing evidence and complements OpenAI's internal research agenda", and "Preference may be given to research involving ChatGPT, interdisciplinary teams, underrepresented populations or regions". The same list includes "Independence and credibility: The project's ability to produce trustworthy findings regardless of whether those findings are favorable to providers of AI products."(OpenAI's official announcement, "Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development", published September 8, 2026)
- Asked whether the grants are funded by OpenAI Foundation or OpenAI Group PBC, the FAQ answers: "The grants are funded and administered by OpenAI Group PBC."(OpenAI's official announcement, "Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development", published September 8, 2026)
- "Submissions are open today through October 6, 2026. A panel of internal experts and advisors will review applications on a rolling basis and notify selected proposals on or before November 13, 2026."(OpenAI's official announcement, "Funding grants for new research into AI and teen development", published September 8, 2026)