Three HBCUs Receive $10 Million Federal Awards to Expand Research in AI, Defense and Emerging Technology
Three historically Black universities are receiving $10 million federal research awards designed to expand their capacity in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defense technology and other emerging fields.
North Carolina A&T State University, Fayetteville State University and Morgan State University are among the institutions receiving five-year awards through a federal program designed to strengthen research capabilities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions.
At North Carolina A&T, the funding will establish Accelerate-DAQ, a research program focused on artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber resilience and quantum systems. The initiative will include three interconnected research clusters centered on trustworthy AI and cyber defense, AI-enabled autonomy and quantum computing.
A&T officials say the investment will help expand opportunities for faculty and students while strengthening the university’s ability to compete for additional research funding. The university is also pursuing Research 1 status, a Carnegie Classification designation for institutions with very high research activity.
Fayetteville State University will use its five-year, $10 million award to develop research focused on applied air defense systems, logistics technology and biomanufacturing. The university plans to work with Fort Bragg as it builds a research program designed to connect students with advanced projects and career opportunities in artificial intelligence, data science, advanced manufacturing, logistics and national security.
University officials say the investment could also help strengthen the Fayetteville region’s growing defense and technology economy. Local leaders have described the funding as an opportunity to connect the university, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville Technical Community College and regional innovation initiatives.
Morgan State University in Baltimore is using its $10 million award to establish the Institute for Trusted Autonomous Networks, known as TITAN. The university-wide initiative will focus on autonomous systems that can operate reliably in complex environments, with research involving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum-enhanced security.
Morgan officials say the funding will expand research and doctoral training while supporting the university’s continued pursuit of R1 status.
Together, the awards represent a significant federal investment in research capacity at three HBCUs. The programs are expected to create additional opportunities for students and faculty while expanding each university’s role in research involving emerging technologies, national security and workforce development.
