National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI)

The Department of Defense’s Washington Headquarters Services is issuing a FY26 grant to establish the National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI). The award is limited to Mississippi State University and will fund research, development, and education activities across four pillars: workforce development, applied research infrastructure, collaborative networks, and strategic analysis for DoW leadership. The grant provides a single award of $6 million, covering a multi‑year effort (approximately five years) to build a national capability in narrative‑driven AI and related technologies. • Eligible applicant: Mississippi State University only • Award ceiling and floor: $6,000,000 • Scope includes R&D, curriculum development, infrastructure creation, and partnership facilitation • Funding instrument: Grant (CFDA 12.032) • Expected deliverables: research prototypes, training programs, network of academic partners, strategic analysis reports • Timeline: Open 8/20/2026 – Close 8/19/2031, award expected 8/19/2031.