TITLE: NIST, MITRE Launch $20M AI Cybersecurity Research Centers

NIST and MITRE Announce $20 Million AI Research Partnership

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has partnered with the MITRE Corporation on a $20 million project to establish two new research centers dedicated to artificial intelligence applications, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity for U.S. critical infrastructure.

The announcement, made on Dec. 22, 2025, comes as federal agencies intensify efforts to harness AI while mitigating its risks in vital sectors. One center will concentrate on advanced manufacturing, while the second, named the AI Economic Security Center to Secure U.S. Critical Infrastructure from Cyberthreats, will target protections for industries providing essential services such as water, electricity and internet access.

According to NIST, the centers aim to "drive the development and adoption" of AI-driven tools, including agentic AI solutions that enable autonomous decision-making. These initiatives are designed to safeguard U.S. leadership in AI innovation, counter adversarial uses of the technology and minimize vulnerabilities from insecure AI systems.

The centers will develop the technology evaluations and advancements that are necessary to effectively protect U.S. dominance in AI innovation, address threats from adversaries’ use of AI, and reduce risks from reliance on insecure AI, NIST spokesperson Jennifer Huergo stated in a release.

Broader Federal AI Investments

This project forms part of a wider federal commitment to AI research at NIST, including several federally funded centers established in recent years. Earlier in 2025, the White House restructured the AI Safety Institute into the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, shifting focus toward enhancing U.S. competitiveness with global rivals like China rather than solely emphasizing safety concerns.

Looking ahead, NIST plans to award another grant in 2026 for the AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute, a five-year, $70 million effort combining expertise in AI, manufacturing and supply chain networks to bolster sector resilience.

Acting NIST Director Craig Burkhardt highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating that the centers will "focus on enhancing the ability of U.S. companies to make high-value products more efficiently, meet market demands domestically and internationally, and catalyze discovery and commercialization of new technologies and devices."

Federal support for AI applications is viewed by proponents in government, industry and Congress as a catalyst for innovation. Huergo noted that NIST anticipates the centers will spur "breakthroughs in applied science and advanced technology."

Focus on Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

The AI Economic Security Center will specifically address how AI could exacerbate cyberthreats to critical infrastructure. Over the past decade, sectors like energy and utilities have faced escalating attacks, including ransomware and state-sponsored hacking. The advent of large language models offers speed and scale advantages to attackers, straining already resource-limited IT and security teams.

NIST's initiative seeks to develop evaluations and tools to fortify defenses against AI-enabled threats, ensuring continuity of essential services. This includes protecting operational technology (OT) systems that control physical processes in infrastructure like power grids and water treatment facilities.

The centers will foster collaboration among government, industry and academic experts to translate research into deployable solutions. NIST and MITRE have invited input from stakeholders, though details on specific projects and timelines remain forthcoming.

Industry Reactions and Calls for Collaboration

Cybersecurity professionals and industry leaders have welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the urgency of addressing AI's dual-use nature in threats and defenses.

Randy Dougherty, chief information officer at cybersecurity firm Trellix, described the focus on critical infrastructure as targeting the "high-stakes" end of AI applications, where "accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable."

Gary Barlet, public sector chief technology officer at Illumio, underscored the vulnerability of water and power sectors, which underpin most modern services. He advocated prioritizing their IT, OT and supply chain security, but warned that success depends on meaningful industry involvement.

In order to help, NIST and the government must ensure those sectors have a meaningful seat at the table and can translate any research insights into workable solutions, Barlet said. Getting those parties on board will be crucial because those are the people who will be answering to Congress if something goes wrong, not the AI developers.

Barlet criticized past efforts as often being "built by technologists for technologists," sidelining operators of power grids and water systems. He called for inclusive processes to avoid repeating such oversights.

Other sources contacted expressed broad support for government-industry partnerships on AI security, viewing the centers as a step toward resilient infrastructure amid evolving threats.

Context of Rising AI-Enabled Threats

The push aligns with growing concerns over AI's role in cyberattacks. Recent incidents, including deepfake impersonations of U.S. officials dating back to 2023 and Chinese AI-enabled hacks, have heightened alarms. Policymakers are grappling with regulatory responses, such as proposed penalties for deepfakes and strategies to secure software supply chains.

In the cybersecurity landscape, AI introduces both opportunities and risks. While it can enhance threat detection and response, adversaries leverage it for sophisticated phishing, malware generation and automated attacks. Critical infrastructure operators, often operating on tight budgets, face mounting pressure to integrate AI securely.

NIST's centers are positioned to bridge these gaps, promoting standards that balance innovation with protection. As federal investments grow, the emphasis on practical, stakeholder-driven outcomes could shape how the U.S. navigates AI's integration into national security.

The partnership with MITRE, a nonprofit that manages federally funded research, leverages established expertise in systems engineering and cybersecurity. Further details on center operations and funding allocation are expected in the coming months.