Mississippi State University, Keesler Air Force Base, and state officials broke ground on the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center on August 19, 2025, in Biloxi. The 100,000-square-foot center, located adjacent to Keesler AFB, will serve as headquarters for the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI). The facility will provide secure spaces for training, research, and industry collaboration. Opening is scheduled for 2027. Funding is sourced from state appropriations and private contributions, with oversight provided under an enhanced use lease between the U.S. Air Force and the MSU Research and Technology Corporation.
Background
Launched in 2021, the Mississippi Cyber Initiative aims to support Keesler AFB's cyber training mission while promoting collaboration across military, academic, law enforcement, industry, and government sectors. An initial facility, the Mississippi Cyber Center at MGCCC Harrison County campus, opened in 2022 to offer digital forensics, training, and cyber exercises. The new Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center will expand these functions in a dedicated, integrated facility adjacent to Keesler AFB, reinforcing cybersecurity capabilities on the Gulf Coast.
Details
Governor Tate Reeves, MSU President Mark Keenum, and Keesler leaders, including Col. Christopher Robinson, attended the groundbreaking ceremony. The center will feature MCI's central offices, Keesler training areas, an event venue, and secure offices for private industry partners. The building will cover approximately 100,000 square feet and be operated by the MSU Research and Technology Corporation under an enhanced use lease. Estimated project cost is $35 million, with private contributions including $3 million from Mississippi Power and Southern Company. Construction completion is targeted for 2027.
Outlook
The Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center will function as a hub for resilience-focused construction in critical infrastructure, emphasizing secure design, thorough supply chain vetting, and incident preparedness. The project is expected to inform best practices in secure facility standards and the integration of cybersecurity principles in building design as it approaches completion.
