AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX)

Key facts

Funder

Abdulelah Alawi Grantor

Application deadline

September 8, 2026

Award range

$150K – $250K

Eligibility

- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations - Public and private educational institutions - Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

Geography

United States

Focus areas

Other (see text field entitled "Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity" for clarification)

Opportunity number

DOS-SAU-2602

Program overview

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.

How to apply

1. Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
2. Read the full funding opportunity announcement from Abdulelah Alawi Grantor.
3. Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
4. Submit before September 8, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.

View the official funding announcement

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