CCI Cyber Research Pipeline Program
CCI Cyber Research Pipeline Program supports cybersecurity researchers and multi-institution teams in developing AI-defense research or broader cybersecurity proposals to compete for external funding.
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Funder: Commonwealth Cyber Initiative
Due Dates: October 12, 2026 (proposals, 5 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 (Track A) or $120,000 (Track B); January 1–December 31, 2027
Summary: Supports cybersecurity research and research teams preparing to compete for external funding.
Key Information: Proposals must include at least two public CCI institutions; private institutions may participate but cannot receive funding.
Description
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) funds two stages of cybersecurity research intended to lead to competitive external proposals. Track A supports individual researchers or small teams developing initial results for small to mid-range grants or contracts of less than $2 million. Its theme, “Cybersecurity in the Age of AI,” focuses on defenses against AI-generated attacks and AI-against-AI threats.
Track B supports multi-institution teams developing a full proposal for a major external grant or contract exceeding $2 million. It is open to any cybersecurity topic. Both tracks seek interdisciplinary research with strong domain knowledge and a credible path to follow-on funding. Track A also encourages innovation and workforce development aspects.
