A fusion experiment, a geothermal reservoir, and a chip built to survive intense radiation have something in common: each can require researchers to explore an enormous space of possible designs before finding one that works. The U.S. Department of Energy’s latest Genesis Mission awards aim to put AI inside that search process, helping scientists decide what to simulate, build, and test next. DOE announced $159 million for 12 new Phase II projects on October 8, 2026, alongside six additional…