§ Federal grant opportunity · DOS-SAU-2603-PD
University-led Networks for Innovation, Technology, and Expertise (UNITE)
U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia is accepting applications for University-led Networks for Innovation, Technology, and Expertise (UNITE). The deadline is September 17, 2026 and the published award range is $90K – $150K.
Key facts
- Funder
- U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
- Application deadline
- September 17, 2026
- Award range
- $90K – $150K
- Eligibility
- • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations • Public and private educational institutions (with preference for U.S. higher education institutions or entities with robust academic networks); • 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-2603-PD
Program overview
The U.S. Embassy Riyadh Public Diplomacy Section is accepting applications for a cooperative agreement to run the University-led Networks for Innovation, Technology, and Expertise (UNITE) program. UNITE will support approximately four to five applied project teams — university-industry partnerships between U.S. universities, U.S. companies or technical partners, and Saudi institutions — through project seed awards of up to $25,000 each to solve specific Saudi workforce and development gaps in high-demand strategic sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, critical minerals, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and workforce development. Each project team will produce a U.S.-linked deliverable — such as a curriculum, module, technical roadmap, or standards briefs — that creates durable pathways for Saudi investment in American academic, workforce, and industry collaboration. Mission KSA will award a cooperative agreement to a single U.S. academic implementing partner to manage the portfolio. Each participating project team must provide a 1:1 cost-share match to ensure genuine institutional commitment and long-term viability.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before September 17, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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