CHAMPAIGN – Building on the state’s commitment to support science and technology, the University of Illinois has been selected to receive federal funding for two research institutes focused on artificial intelligence, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Thursday.

“Researchers at the University of Illinois are addressing some of the most complex and exciting challenges of our time,” Bennett said. “I’m proud to see their work recognized, and I have no doubt that these institutions will drive discovery and innovation for decades to come.”

With these investments, the National Science Foundation will fund the AI Institute for Molecular Discovery, Synthetic Strategy and Manufacturing, also known as the Molecule Maker Lab Institute. In addition, the AI Institute for Future Agricultural Resilience, Management and Sustainability will advance AI research in computer vision, machine learning, soft-object manipulation and intuitive human-robot interaction to solve major agricultural challenges.

The funding comes from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Each of the new institutes will receive about $20 million over five years.