Advanced AI models are increasingly becoming a critical research resource, similar to access to data, computing infrastructure, and specialized software. Access to these models, however, can be a barrier for researchers and trainees without the resources to experiment with and deploy frontier AI models in their work.
A gift from AI company Anthropic will provide $1 million in Claude API credits to support research and education at the Data Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto. These usage credits will grant access to Claude’s Application Programming Interface (API), which enables interaction with Claude models. The initiative will equip researchers with access to cutting-edge AI tools that can support discovery, analysis, software development, and innovation across disciplines.
As a hub for research, training, and industry collaboration, bringing together faculty, students, and partners, DSI advances data-driven discovery through interdisciplinary research, training, and partnerships that translate data science into real-world impact. DSI will launch a competitive process for the Claude API credits , leveraging existing grant experience and infrastructure. DSI’s programs, such as the Data Access Grant Program and Research Software Development Support Program, provide a proven model for competitions, with scientific review panels ensuring funding and in-kind support is awarded to high quality, and impactful projects.
Enabling access to emerging data science and AI capabilities across the research community is an important part of DSI's mission. Since 2021, DSI has awarded $19 million in research and trainee funding to more than 500 researchers from across all three U of T campuses and DSI external funding research institutes . DSI member researchers have leveraged these funds to secure over $126 million in external grants enabling researchers to make significant contributions to their fields.
“At DSI we are very pleased to be taking on this role in stewarding and distributing the credits. Opportunities like these to enable applications of AI tools and methodologies are an important part of how we drive research excellence and impact,” says Professor Gary Bader, Associate Director, Research & Software, Data Sciences Institute. “Building on the university’s strong history of leadership in artificial intelligence, the University of Toronto Data Sciences Institute will launch a competitive process to access Claude API credits, with a scientific review panel ensuring they are awarded to safe, high quality and impactful research.”
“The University of Toronto continued advancing neural network research when most of the field had moved on, helping prove it could work at scale. That long-term commitment to getting AI right is something Anthropic is built on, and we’re glad to be supporting future innovative U of T research with Claude,” says Brian Peters, Head of North America Government Affairs at Anthropic.
The initiative strengthens U of T's position as a global leader in AI and interdisciplinary research. The university ranks among global leaders for the study of data science and artificial intelligence, ranking thirteenth in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
“U of T has a strong history of leadership in artificial intelligence. This new initiative with the Data Sciences Institute, will provide access to cutting-edge AI tools to researchers and will open new possibilities for discovery, analysis, and innovation across the university,” highlights Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Toronto.
Full details of the call for applications for this new initiative are now available . The competition will run from July 20 to September 25, 2026.