NIST, MITRE Launch $20M AI Centers for Manufacturing and Cybersecurity
▼ Summary
– NIST is investing $20 million to establish two AI security centers focused on US manufacturing productivity and protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
– Both centers will be operated by the nonprofit MITRE to develop technology evaluations and advancements that protect US AI leadership and reduce security risks.
– The initiative aims to drive breakthroughs in applied science and deliver innovative solutions to pressing national challenges, including boosting manufacturing competitiveness.
– This investment is part of a broader US strategy to accelerate critical technology adoption and aligns with the White House’s AI Action Plan.
– NIST will also soon announce a separate $70 million institute to strengthen AI-driven supply chains and manufacturing resilience through public-private partnership.
A significant federal investment aims to fortify American technological leadership by tackling two critical areas: manufacturing productivity and cybersecurity. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is committing $20 million to establish two new research hubs, both managed by the nonprofit MITRE. This strategic move is designed to protect U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence innovation while addressing emerging threats from adversaries and reducing risks associated with insecure AI systems.
The initiative will create the AI Economic Security Center for US Manufacturing Productivity and the AI Economic Security Center to Secure US Critical Infrastructure from Cyber Threats. According to NIST, these centers will be tasked with developing essential technology evaluations and advancements. Their core mission is to enable breakthroughs in applied science and deliver innovative solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing economic and security challenges.
Officials emphasize the broad impact of this investment. Paul Dabbar, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, stated the funding will help drive a manufacturing renaissance by boosting the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers and attracting further investment. Craig Burkhardt, Acting NIST Director, highlighted that the partnership with MITRE will enhance the ability of U.S. companies to manufacture high-value products more efficiently, meet global market demands, and accelerate the discovery and commercialization of new technologies.
This $20 million project is a key component of a larger strategic vision. It aligns with NIST’s overarching strategy for American technology leadership and directly supports pillars outlined in the White House’s AI Action Plan, specifically those focused on accelerating AI innovation and building national AI infrastructure. The centers will work alongside other NIST-led initiatives, including the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, to create a cohesive national effort.
Looking ahead, NIST plans to further bolster the manufacturing sector with an additional major investment. The agency will soon announce a separate $70 million AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute under the Manufacturing USA program. This institute will combine federal funds with private capital to strengthen AI-driven supply chains and enhance overall manufacturing resilience against disruptions.
(Source: InfoSecurity Magazine)
