NATO Request for Innovative Participation: Agentic AI for Cognitive Warfare

Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (HQ SACT) has issued a Request for Innovative Participation (RFIP) in NATO Innovation Challenge 2026-1 (iChall26-1). NATO’s iChall26-1 is intended to facilitate collaboration between HQ SACT, SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), and industry regarding an agentic AI tool that integrates advanced machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), behavioral analytics, and influence strategies.

The tool should possess capabilities to autonomously identify target audiences, craft personalized messaging, and adapt strategies in real time based on feedback and changing societal contexts, all while staying aligned with NATO’s principles and ensuring legitimacy is always maintained. Ideally the solution would have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5-7; with the possibility of immediate Minimum Viable Product (MVP) delivery preferred (under 3 months).

A Selection Committee composed of representatives from HQ SACT and other relevant experts invited by HQ SACT will select up to 10 solutions among the responses submitted. The finalists will participate in the iChall26-1 Pitch Day projected to be May 28, 2026, in Rennes, France. Participation in the Pitch Day is only open to in-person participation. During the Pitch Day, a jury composed of representatives from HQ SACT and other relevant experts invited by HQ SACT will select the iChall26-1 winners.

Deadline for submission: 17:00 EDT 20 April 2026. The reference for the RFIP is RFIP-ACT-SACT-26-38 and all correspondence regarding the RFIP should include this reference. This RFIP does not constitute a current Request for Proposal (RFP) nor a commitment to issue a future RFP. The release of this RFIP shall not be construed as a commitment, nor an authorization to incur costs for which reimbursement will be required or sought after.

Further, respondents are advised that HQ SACT will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in responding to this RFIP. HQ SACT will not pay any costs associated with participating in iChall26-1. The costs for responding to this RFIP and participating in the iChall26-1 shall be borne solely by the responding party. Not responding to this RFIP does not preclude participation in any subsequent RFP if issued in the future.