New fund launches to support creation of AI tools for really hard math

Advanced artificial intelligence tools are poised to transform mathematical research and discovery through a new $9.2 million initiative launched by Renaissance Philanthropy and XTX Markets.

The initiative’s scope: The AI for Math Fund aims to develop groundbreaking AI tools that will serve as fundamental building blocks for advancing mathematical discovery and learning.

• The fund will support projects that expand the implementation of cutting-edge AI technology among mathematicians worldwide
• Individual grants of up to $1 million will be awarded for projects spanning up to 24 months
• XTX Markets serves as the founding donor of the initiative

Key focus areas: The fund seeks proposals across four strategic categories that target different aspects of AI-powered mathematical advancement.

• Production-grade software tools for auto-formalization, proof generation, and verifiable code synthesis
• Open-source datasets containing theorems, proofs, and mathematical problems
• Field-building resources including textbooks and courses to grow the AI-for-math community
• High-risk, high-reward approaches to AI-driven mathematical research

Expert perspectives: Leading mathematicians and industry figures have expressed strong support for the initiative’s potential impact.

• Fields Medalist Terence Tao emphasized how next-generation AI models could enable unprecedented collaboration among mathematicians
• Alex Gerko, XTX Markets Founder and co-CEO, highlighted mathematics as the next frontier for AI transformation
• Renaissance Philanthropy CEO Tom Kalil noted the initiative’s potential to advance both fundamental mathematics and AI reasoning capabilities

Proposal requirements: The fund welcomes innovative project submissions from a diverse range of qualified participants.

• Eligible applicants include researchers, non-profits, companies, mathematicians, software engineers, and computer scientists
• Projects should be novel and unlikely to occur under normal business conditions
• Proposals must align with one of the four designated focus categories

Looking ahead: The convergence of AI and mathematics represents a pivotal moment in scientific advancement, though success will depend on careful implementation and sustained commitment from both the mathematical and AI communities. The fund’s emphasis on open-source resources and field-building suggests a strategic focus on creating lasting infrastructure for future innovation rather than just short-term achievements.