Print A new research institute led by UC San Diego has been awarded $20 million from the National Science Foundation to pursue foundational breakthroughs in artificial intelligence — an emerging battleground for the U.S. in the global race for technology leadership. The grant announced Thursday was part of $220 million that the NSF invested in 11 artificial intelligence research institutes across the country after a 10 month competition. The funding will be provided over the next five years. The aim is to advance fundamental AI capabilities across a wide swath of industries, including cyber infrastructure, healthcare, education, semiconductor design, agriculture and communications networks, among others.