AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX)
🏛 U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations running an AI exchange program for young Saudi professionals. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions (public and private), and international governmental organizations. The program targets Saudi nationals aged 20-30 who are students or recent graduates in AI-related fields with fluent English and leadership potential. Activities include virtual hackathon recruitment, a two-week U.S. exchange program with tech hub visits and mentoring, and a follow-on summit in Saudi Arabia where participants present capstone projects.
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Program description
Program Purpose
The U.S. Embassy Riyadh Public Diplomacy Section is accepting applications for a cooperative agreement to run the AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders. The goal of this program is to connect rising Saudi Artificial Intelligence (AI) leaders with American experts in business, tech, and academia. This initiative helps participants build professional networks, study U.S. technology standards, and create lasting partnerships between American and Saudi institutions.
Target Audience and Participants
The program should be designed for Saudi nationals aged 20 to 30. Participants must be undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral students, or recent graduates who are studying or working in AI-related fields (such as data science, robotics, or machine learning). They must also speak fluent English and show strong leadership potential. Provide three complete budget scenarios for 12 participants, 16 participants (primary), and 20 participants.
Applicants must provide budget scenarios for three participant cohort sizes:
· 12 participants
· 16 participants (primary scenario)
· 20 participants
Each budget scenario should maintain program quality while demonstrating cost-effectiveness at different scales.
Program Components
In addition to the planning and preparation with the Embassy and partner organizations, the selected partner will plan and run three mandatory participant-focused phases:
· Phase 1: Preparation (Virtual and In-Person) around April 1, 2027: The partner will create an online application portal and launch a recruiting campaign. They will host a virtual hackathon to help short-listed candidates design an AI project idea. Top project ideas will determine who wins a spot on the exchange trip. The partner will also train the group in leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication before they travel.
· Phase 2: U.S. Exchange (Two Weeks) in July 2027: The partner will lead a two-week summer trip to two or three U.S. cities. The trip will include visits to American tech hubs and universities, networking events, workshops at a major AI summit, and cultural activities. The partner will also match each participant with a professional mentor for three months of bi-weekly virtual career coaching after the exchange program component.
Phase 3: Follow-On Summit (Saudi Arabia) on/around January 2028: Within three to six months after the trip, the partner will organize a showcase event in Saudi Arabia. Participants will present their follow-on capstone AI projects to local tech communities, government leaders, and investors. This could be adjacent to major Saudi AI summits or a USG-related event.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (per U.S. Mission Riyadh requirements)
- Project narrative and timeline
- Three budget scenarios (12, 16, and 20 participants)
- Organizational capacity statement
- Letters of partnership/commitment from U.S. tech companies, universities, and summit organizers
- Organizational financial statements and audit (if required by age/size)
Program contact
- 👤 Abdulelah Alawi Grantor
- 📧 RiyadhGrants@state.gov
- 📞 00966118354860
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.040 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$4,682,072
-
$3,371,312
-
$2,650,000
-
$2,446,525
-
$2,050,500
-
$1,861,451
-
$1,700,000
-
$1,565,795
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,480,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.040). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $129,428,262 | |
| 2019 est. | $34,549,598 | |
| 2020 | $129,979,440 | |
| 2021 | $128,999,999 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, public/private educational institutions, and international governmental organizations can apply. Your organization must be able to manage an international exchange program.
What is the award amount?
Awards range from $150,000 to $250,000 for a cooperative agreement to run the program across all three phases.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is September 8, 2026. The program runs from April 2027 through January 2028.
What activities must the selected partner provide?
You must run Phase 1 (virtual hackathon and recruitment), Phase 2 (two-week U.S. exchange in July 2027), and Phase 3 (follow-on summit in Saudi Arabia in January 2028). Three budget scenarios for 12, 16, and 20 participants are required.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this cooperative agreement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Submit three detailed budget scenarios for 12, 16, and 20 participant cohorts; demonstrate cost-effectiveness at each scale.
- Emphasize your organization's track record managing international exchanges and recruiting high-potential early-career professionals.
- Build your proposal around strong partnerships with U.S. tech hubs, universities, and major AI summit organizers for Phase 2.
- Detail your virtual recruitment and hackathon platform capabilities; this is critical for Phase 1 success.
- Plan mentor matching logistics carefully; three months of bi-weekly virtual mentoring requires robust systems and pre-screened mentors.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating logistics costs for two-week U.S. travel, accommodations, and ground transportation for cohorts. Failing to provide realistic mentor recruitment and training plans for the three-month post-exchange coaching component. Weak or vague partnerships with U.S. tech firms and academic institutions, which are essential credibility markers.
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