The Duke Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Aging (Duke AITC) has released its first national Request for Applications (RFA) to support innovative research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD).

This funding opportunity seeks projects that advance the development and application of AI and emerging technologies to improve our understanding, detection, monitoring, and treatment of aging-related conditions and ADRD. Areas of interest include:

• AI and technology methodology development
• Multimodal data analysis
• Digital health and remote monitoring
• Clinical applications and implementation research
• Novel approaches to advancing aging and dementia research

Projects may request up to $200,000 in direct costs over a period of up to two years, with clinical trials eligible for up to $300,000 in direct costs.

Key Dates

• October 19, 2026 – RFA released
• November 3, 2026 – Letter of Intent (LOI) Informational Webinar
  • 4:00–5:00 p.m. ET
  • 3:00–4:00 p.m. CT
  • 2:00–3:00 p.m. MT
  • 1:00–2:00 p.m. PT
• November 16, 2026 – Letter of Intent due (5:00 p.m. PT)
• December 15, 2026 – Invitations to submit full applications
• January 22, 2027 – Full applications due (5:00 p.m. PT)
• Spring 2027 – Finalists notified; awards pending NIA approval
• Summer 2027 – Anticipated project start date

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from a broad range of U.S.-based organizations, including:

• Colleges, universities, and medical or nursing schools
• Health care systems and nonprofit organizations
• For-profit companies, including startups and small businesses
• State, local, and tribal governments, as well as eligible federal entities

This is an exciting opportunity for investigators, clinicians, data scientists, engineers, and innovators to develop transformative AI-driven solutions that accelerate progress in aging and dementia research.

Letter of Intent Deadline: November 16, 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the LOI Informational Webinar on November 3, 2026, to learn more about the opportunity and application process.