Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual Learning (NExT AI) Hubs (P20 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions and organizations developing innovative AI-powered learning technologies and educational hubs. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and education-focused organizations with capacity to conduct research or pilot educational programs. Activities supported include designing and testing AI systems that enhance personalized learning, creating accessible learning environments, and evaluating technology effectiveness in diverse student populations. Geographic scope is national; applicants must be U.S.-based institutions or organizations.
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Key dates
- Jun 3, 2026 Applications open
- Oct 2, 2026 Application deadline in 76 days
- Dec 1, 2026 Award announced
- Dec 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) seeks to advance its mission through the Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual learning Hubs (NExT AI Hubs) initiative, using a Centers program. The new Centers will carry out research on understudied, highly innovative, and high-risk research topics related to the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on developmental outcomes in children at risk for developing, or who have been diagnosed with, a specific learning disability (SLD) impacting reading, writing, and mathematics. Grant authorities that allow the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Public Health Service Act, Section 301, 448 and 487, as amended, Public Laws 78-410 and 99-158, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 241; 42 U.S.C. 285g; 42 U.S.C. 288; Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, Public Law 102-564, Public Law 118-47.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative and Research Plan
- Budget Narrative and Detailed Budget
- Biographies of Key Personnel
- Letters of Support from Partner Institutions
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Human Subjects Protection Documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Virginia Salo, PhD Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- 📧 virginia.salo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-3682
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.865 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$1,073,967,938
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$719,372,575
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$276,059,721
-
$155,556,396
-
$155,482,198
-
$103,665,364
-
$74,151,078
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$72,701,366
-
$52,238,426
-
$47,450,377
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $1,074.0M
- NC 7 awards $925.9M
- MD 4 awards $501.6M
- MA 3 awards $190.0M
- PA 3 awards $145.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.865). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,282,226,682 | |
| 2025 | $1,333,391,690 | |
| 2026 est. | $184,920,723 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the NExT AI Hubs grant?
Universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and education organizations are typically eligible. Applicants should have research infrastructure or program capacity to develop and test educational technologies.
What types of projects are funded?
The grant supports development of AI-powered learning tools, experiential education technologies, and research on how these tools improve learning outcomes across diverse populations.
What is the application timeline?
Applications typically open in July 2025. Consult the NIH grants.gov page for exact deadlines and submission windows.
How competitive is this grant?
NIH grants are highly competitive, typically averaging 10-20% funding rates. Strong preliminary data and experienced research teams improve competitiveness.
What funding amounts should I expect?
Funding varies by project scope and award type. Check the CFDA 93.865 page or NIH BAA for typical budget ranges for this funding mechanism.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with NIH priorities on educational equity and AI safety in learning contexts.
- Include evaluation plans showing how you'll measure learning outcomes and technology accessibility.
- Demonstrate team expertise in both AI/technology development and educational practice or research.
- Secure letters of support from schools, universities, or communities that will participate in pilots.
- Budget clearly for personnel, technology infrastructure, and rigorous evaluation activities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak evaluation plans that don't measure actual learning impact. Focusing on technology features rather than learner outcomes or equity. Underestimating budget and timeline needs for rigorous pilot testing with diverse student populations.
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