diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
index 79a66ee..4d82a51 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ If applicable, add screenshots to help explain your problem.
 
 ## Environment
 - OS: [e.g., macOS, Linux, Windows]
-- Rust version: [e.g., 1.94.0]
+- Rust version: [e.g., 1.96.0]
 - Crate version: [e.g., 1.1.0]
 - Features enabled: [e.g., "llama3,ndarray,cuda"]
 
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question.yml
index 911596a..4f61452 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question.yml
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ body:
     attributes:
       label: Rust version
       description: What Rust version are you using?
-      placeholder: 1.94.0
+      placeholder: 1.96.0
   - type: input
     id: os
     attributes:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 4bbd2a2..0a76869 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ on:
 
 env:
   CARGO_TERM_COLOR: always
-  RUST_VERSION: "1.94.0"
+  RUST_VERSION: "1.96.0"
 
 jobs:
   check:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/coverage.yml b/.github/workflows/coverage.yml
index a4cd508..7398f93 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/coverage.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/coverage.yml
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ on:
 
 env:
   CARGO_TERM_COLOR: always
-  RUST_VERSION: "1.94.0"
+  RUST_VERSION: "1.96.0"
 
 jobs:
   coverage:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/dependency-analysis.yml b/.github/workflows/dependency-analysis.yml
index 3d84fd9..7492175 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/dependency-analysis.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/dependency-analysis.yml
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ on:
 
 env:
   CARGO_TERM_COLOR: always
-  RUST_VERSION: "1.94.0"
+  RUST_VERSION: "1.96.0"
 
 jobs:
   dependency-analysis:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 8885e55..534041b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ jobs:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v5
       - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@stable
         with:
-          toolchain: "1.94.0"
+          toolchain: "1.96.0"
       - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@v2
       - name: Check workspace
         run: cargo check --workspace
diff --git a/.github/workflows/security.yml b/.github/workflows/security.yml
index 32822cf..520a0cc 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/security.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/security.yml
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ jobs:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v5
       - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@stable
         with:
-          toolchain: "1.94.0"
+          toolchain: "1.96.0"
       - uses: taiki-e/install-action@v2
         with:
           tool: cargo-audit
diff --git a/.github/workflows/stability.yml b/.github/workflows/stability.yml
index 985f52e..431d248 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/stability.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/stability.yml
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ on:
 
 env:
   CARGO_TERM_COLOR: always
-  RUST_VERSION: "1.94.0"
+  RUST_VERSION: "1.96.0"
 
 jobs:
   # ── Regression gate: full workspace validation ─────────────────────────
diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 91a244e..d246d78 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ Specifications must be validated, simulated, and compiled BEFORE they reach Conv
 
 | Layer | Technology |
 |---|---|
-| Truth validation & codegen | Rust (Edition 2024, rust-version 1.94) |
+| Truth validation & codegen | Rust (Edition 2024, rust-version 1.96) |
 | Converge provider contract | `converge-provider` |
 | Backend selection | `converge-manifold-adapters` |
 | Runtime intent contract | `organism-pack` |
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 531edb7..b81544c 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ Thanks for your interest in contributing to Axiom.
 
 ## Development
 
-- Rust edition 2024, minimum rust-version 1.94
+- Rust edition 2024, minimum rust-version 1.96.0
 - `unsafe` code is forbidden
 - Clippy pedantic is enforced
 
diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index 3ab802c..29ef761 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 name = "axiom-truth"
 version = "0.15.2"
 edition = "2024"
-rust-version = "1.94.0"
+rust-version = "1.96.0"
 license = "MIT"
 repository = "https://github.com/Reflective-Lab/axiom"
 description = "Axiom — the truth layer: JTBD decoding, truth packages, validation, verifier reports, and calibration"
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 741a122..e9567a2 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 [![Crates.io](https://img.shields.io/crates/v/axiom-truth.svg)](https://crates.io/crates/axiom-truth)
 [![docs.rs](https://docs.rs/axiom-truth/badge.svg)](https://docs.rs/axiom-truth)
 [![dependency status](https://deps.rs/repo/github/Reflective-Lab/axiom/status.svg)](https://deps.rs/repo/github/Reflective-Lab/axiom)
-![MSRV](https://img.shields.io/badge/MSRV-1.94.0-blue)
+![MSRV](https://img.shields.io/badge/MSRV-1.96.0-blue)
 <img alt="gitleaks badge" src="https://img.shields.io/badge/protected%20by-gitleaks-blue">
 [![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](LICENSE)