The National Science Foundation Division of Computer and Network Systems awarded Duke University a $3 million cooperative agreement on November 1, 2026, under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering program (CFDA 47.070) to support the NSF AI Institute for Edge Computing and Systems (ATHENA).
ATHENA conducts research toward deploying advanced artificial intelligence on edge devices—everyday-use devices and small systems—while ensuring availability, efficiency, functionality, and trustworthiness. The institute builds an AI-native full-stack design integrating AI functions across front-end and back-end systems that interact with classical and quantum computing in the physical world. The research transitions AI applications from assistive and analytical uses toward coordinated autonomous systems and integrated intelligent systems embedded in and directly interacting with the physical environment.
The institute's education and workforce development program engages learners across K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and industry levels through cross-campus curricula, industry internships, graduate bootcamps, seminars, and community-partnered outreach. ATHENA disseminates research through open-source release of code, designs, benchmarks, and testbed; position papers and workshops; and industry collaboration via a consortium supporting licensing, joint development, and entrepreneurship.
Performance occurs at Duke University's Office of Research Administration in Durham, North Carolina, with a period of performance from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2031. The obligated amount is $3 million.