Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual Learning (NExT AI) Hubs

The Novel Experiential Technologies Assisting Individual Learning Hubs (NExT AI Hubs) funding opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically aligned with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This initiative is designed to advance scientific understanding and innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and learning disabilities, particularly focusing on children diagnosed with or at risk for specific learning disabilities affecting reading, writing, and mathematics. The program reflects a broader federal commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and building capacity in emerging technological applications that influence developmental and educational outcomes. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to catalyze exploratory and high-risk, high-impact research that examines how AI technologies can support, enhance, or potentially hinder cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional development in children with learning disabilities. Each funded hub is expected to consist of a single research project supported by a leadership core, which together will facilitate coordination, strategic direction, and integration of findings. The initiative emphasizes the importance of generating evidence that can inform both educational practice and policy, while simultaneously supporting the professional development of early-career investigators working in this interdisciplinary space. Funding is intended to support the planning and development of research infrastructure and intellectual frameworks that will enable investigators to pursue larger-scale funding opportunities in the future. While specific allowable costs are not detailed in the summary, NIH exploratory grant mechanisms typically support personnel, research activities, and infrastructure necessary to carry out the proposed work. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, reducing financial barriers for applicants and encouraging participation from a diverse set of institutions and organizations. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive across a range of U.S.-based entities, including state and local governments, institutions of higher education (both public and private), nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, small and large businesses, school districts, tribal governments and organizations, and public housing authorities. However, foreign organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. entities are explicitly excluded. This ensures that the program maintains a domestic focus while supporting a wide spectrum of institutional types capable of contributing to the research goals. The application process follows standard NIH submission procedures, typically requiring electronic submission through designated federal systems. Applicants are expected to prepare a comprehensive proposal that includes a detailed research plan, leadership structure, and alignment with program goals. While specific evaluation criteria are not listed in the summary, NIH reviews generally assess scientific merit, innovation, investigator capability, and potential impact. The opportunity was posted on June 3, 2026, and applications are due by October 2, 2026, with an anticipated review and award process following NIH timelines. Overall, the NExT AI Hubs program represents a strategic investment in understanding the role of emerging technologies in learning and development. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting early-stage research, the program aims to build a foundation for future large-scale initiatives and contribute to improved outcomes for children with learning disabilities. The initiative also serves as a pipeline for developing the next generation of researchers in this critical and rapidly evolving field.