The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a partnership with The MITRE Corporation for a $20 million initiative. This project aims to establish two new research centers dedicated to artificial intelligence, specifically exploring how this technology could influence cybersecurity within U.S. critical infrastructure.
NIST stated that one center will concentrate on advanced manufacturing. The second, named the AI Economic Security Center to Secure U.S. Critical Infrastructure from Cyberthreats, will directly address how sectors providing essential services like water, electricity, and internet can safeguard their operations against AI-driven threats. These centers are expected to foster the development and adoption of AI-powered tools, including agentic AI solutions.
According to spokesperson Jennifer Huergo, the centers will advance technology evaluations and developments crucial for protecting U.S. leadership in AI innovation, countering threats from adversaries utilizing AI, and mitigating risks associated with insecure AI systems.
These two centers are part of a broader federal investment to create AI research centers under NIST’s purview, some of which were established prior to the Trump administration.
Earlier this year, the White House revised the name and mission of the AI Safety Institute, renaming it the Center for AI Standards and Innovation. This change reflected a broader shift in the administration’s focus from general AI safety to prioritizing American competitiveness with China. NIST also plans to allocate a five-year, $70 million federal investment next year for a new AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute, which will combine expertise in AI, manufacturing, and supply chain networks to enhance resilience in the manufacturing sector.
Government, industry, and congressional AI proponents anticipate that increased federal support for these applications will stimulate innovation in U.S. AI projects. Huergo indicated that NIST expects these AI centers to facilitate breakthroughs in applied science and advanced technology.
Acting NIST Director Craig Burkhardt commented that the centers will collectively aim to improve the capacity of U.S. companies to produce high-value products more efficiently, satisfy domestic and international market demands, and accelerate the discovery and commercialization of new technologies and devices.
Brian Abe, managing director of MITRE’s national cybersecurity division, explained that the nonprofit organization is committing its full resources to achieve the centers’ mission. The objective is to significantly impact U.S. manufacturing and critical infrastructure cybersecurity within three years.
Abe noted that MITRE will also utilize its lab capabilities, such as the Federal AI Sandbox. He emphasized that this effort will involve genuine collaboration between NIST, MITRE, and industry partners.
Many experts consulted expressed support for increased government and industry collaboration on AI security and critical infrastructure.
Over the past decade, numerous industrial sectors have faced significant challenges from ransomware, foreign hacking, and other digital threats. The speed and scale capabilities of large language models could further strain IT and security teams, many of whom already operate with limited budgets.
Randy Dougherty, CIO of Trellix, highlighted that by focusing on critical infrastructure cybersecurity, NIST is addressing the “high-stakes” aspect of AI, where precision and dependability are essential.
Some sources stressed the importance of involving stakeholders from the industries being protected to ensure their input is incorporated into any new initiatives.
Gary Barlet, public sector chief technology officer at Illumio, specifically mentioned the water and power sectors as crucial for most modern critical services. He suggested that securing their IT, operational technology (OT), and supply chains should be a top priority for the center.
Barlet further advised that for effective assistance, NIST and the government must ensure these sectors have a meaningful voice and that research findings can be translated into practical solutions. Engaging these parties is vital, as they are the ones who will be accountable to Congress if issues arise, not the AI developers.
Barlet concluded that these centers are often designed by technologists for technologists, frequently excluding the individuals responsible for managing power grids, water systems, and other critical infrastructure from the discussion.
