The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has expanded its collaboration with the nonprofit MITRE Corporation, announcing a $20 million investment to establish two new centers focused on advancing artificial intelligence applications in manufacturing and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
The funding will support the creation of the AI Economic Security Center for U.S. Manufacturing Productivity and the AI Economic Security Center to Secure U.S. Critical Infrastructure from Cyberthreats. Together, the centers are intended to accelerate the development and deployment of AI-driven tools that strengthen domestic manufacturing competitiveness while protecting essential infrastructure from emerging cyber risks.
Commerce Deputy Secretary Paul Dabbar said the initiative is aimed at harnessing AI to support what he described as an American manufacturing renaissance, enabling companies to increase productivity, attract investment and remain competitive in global markets. Acting NIST Director Craig Burkhardt added that the partnership is designed to remove barriers to AI innovation and help U.S. firms bring high-value products to market more efficiently.
The agreement advances NIST’s broader Strategy for American Technology Leadership in the 21st Century and aligns with priorities outlined in the White House’s July 2025 America’s AI Action Plan, particularly efforts to accelerate AI innovation and build domestic AI infrastructure. The new centers will focus on evaluating and advancing AI technologies, addressing risks posed by adversaries’ use of AI, and reducing vulnerabilities linked to insecure or untested AI systems.
MITRE will contribute its experience operating federally funded research and development centers, supporting applied research and the transition of AI technologies from development to real-world deployment. NIST officials said the collaboration is expected to deliver practical, scalable solutions that benefit manufacturers and operators of critical infrastructure.
The initiative also builds on NIST’s existing AI programs, including the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, which works with industry on voluntary testing and evaluation of frontier AI models. In the coming months, NIST plans to announce an additional award for the AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute under the Manufacturing USA program, potentially bringing up to $140 million in combined federal and nonfederal investment.
Together, these efforts underscore NIST’s push to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI, manufacturing, and national economic security.
Need Help?
If you have questions or concerns about how to navigate the global AI regulatory landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
