Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia
🏛 Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations deploying American AI technology in South Asia's strategic economic sectors. U.S.-based nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) and foreign nonprofits may apply. For-profit companies, educational institutions, and public international organizations are also eligible. Applicants must align with State Department priorities and host country government consultation on sector targeting and economic development goals.
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Program description
The program within SCA will aim to deploy American AI technology securely in U.S. partners’ strategic economic sectors and infrastructure. The specific strategic economic sector(s) and organizations (including government, public institutions like utilities, and private companies) targeted in each country for support would be developed in consultation with State Department and host country governments and based on the geopolitical and economic factors of each country.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Standard proposal narrative
- Project budget and justification
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of support from host country government and partner organizations
- Security and risk assessment plan
- Statement of U.S. organizational eligibility
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs
- 📞 703-516-1684
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.108 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$7,105,375
-
$6,209,535
-
$2,961,849
-
$2,959,500
-
$2,468,749
-
$1,950,000
-
$1,727,375
-
$1,539,465
-
$1,481,467
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$1,404,796
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.108). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2021 est. | $9,999,999 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S. and foreign nonprofits, for-profit companies, educational institutions, and public international organizations. U.S. nonprofits don't need 501(c)(3) status.
What geographic scope does this grant cover?
The program focuses on South Asia. Projects must deploy American AI technology in partner countries within this region.
What types of activities are funded?
Deployment of American AI technology in strategic sectors like utilities, infrastructure, and economic development. Activities are developed with State Department and host country input.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing contributions.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards typically range from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000, though the total pool is $2,000,000.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Coordinate with State Department and host country officials early. Their input is essential to project design and sector selection.
- Focus on AI applications that enhance economic security and competitiveness. Avoid purely commercial or non-strategic projects.
- Build partnerships with local government and private sector organizations. The grant emphasizes working with utilities and public institutions.
- Demonstrate how your AI deployment protects data security and aligns with U.S. geopolitical interests in South Asia.
- Prepare detailed implementation plans showing how your organization will work with host country stakeholders throughout execution.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants fail to secure host country government buy-in and State Department alignment before proposal submission. Projects lack clear security protocols for sensitive AI technology deployment. Proposals underestimate complexity of coordinating across U.S., host government, and private sector partners.
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