Fayetteville State University Receives $10 Million Defense AI Research Grant

Fayetteville State University has secured a $10 million research award from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions. The funding marks a new milestone for the university’s research capabilities and supports advanced work in applied artificial intelligence for defense systems.

The five-year grant will provide approximately $2 million each year to support an interdisciplinary research program. The initiative is designed to focus on defense-related technologies, including contested logistics and biomanufacturing, and is expected to enhance the university’s role in regional innovation efforts.

According to university information, the project will also establish the foundation for a new doctoral program in applied artificial intelligence for defense systems. This expansion aims to increase research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students and to attract new faculty members to the institution.

The award is the largest single research grant in Fayetteville State University’s history, surpassing a previous $2 million National Science Foundation award received in the 2025-26 academic year. The university was designated a Research University by the Carnegie Classification for the first time in 2025, reflecting its growing research profile.

What the numbers show

• $10 million total awarded over five years.
• Approximately $2 million allocated annually.
• At least five graduate and five undergraduate students to participate each year.

The funding will support the hiring of two research faculty members. Each year, at least five graduate students and five undergraduate students will have research opportunities as part of the program, according to information published by the university and local media.

The research program is structured to advance applied artificial intelligence in areas relevant to defense, with a focus on technologies that address logistical challenges and biomanufacturing. The university stated that the initiative aligns with broader regional plans to create a defense innovation corridor connecting Fayetteville State University, Fort Bragg, and other local institutions.

By laying the groundwork for a new doctoral program, the university aims to further develop expertise in applied AI for defense systems. The grant is expected to provide resources for both faculty and students to contribute to defense-related research and innovation in the region.

Fayetteville State University’s designation as a Research University and the receipt of this award demonstrate its expanding role in advanced research and collaboration with defense and regional partners. The university continues to pursue initiatives that support both academic growth and regional development in technology and defense sectors.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.