Deadline Date: August 02, 2026
The AI-ACES Program is inviting applications to advance U.S. strategic interests in South Asia by supporting the secure deployment of American AI technology across partner governments’ critical infrastructure and strategic economic sectors.
The program focuses on deploying American AI technology in three or more South Asian countries by strengthening AI infrastructure, data governance, cybersecurity, workforce development, AI policies, trusted partnerships, technical capacity, cross-border connectivity, digital governance, and the secure adoption of U.S. AI technologies.
The program will support the deployment of American AI technology in strategic economic sectors and critical infrastructure across partner countries in South Asia. The specific sectors and participating organizations, including government agencies, public institutions such as utilities, and private companies, will be identified through consultations with the U.S. Department of State and host country governments based on each country’s geopolitical and economic priorities.
Under the first objective, they will identify, assess, select, procure, and deploy appropriate U.S. AI technologies to strengthen strategic sectors in at least three South Asian countries. They will also collaborate with government institutions, academia, industry regulators, and infrastructure operators to develop AI training programs, establish common skill standards and certifications, assess workforce needs, address skill gaps, and facilitate knowledge transfer through mentorship, public-private partnerships, and structured certification pathways.
Under the second objective, they will support the development and implementation of national AI strategies while creating a policy environment that reduces the risks of interference and exploitation of AI systems and data. They will help governments establish trusted data governance models, conduct consultations, develop policy playbooks, strengthen coordination on AI governance, and support the adoption of trusted American AI technology.
The estimated total funding available under this opportunity is USD 2,000,000, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of USD 2,000,000 to a maximum of USD 5,000,000. The program will also provide practical mentoring and technical assistance to help organizations design and deploy American AI technology while strengthening technical and regulatory expertise. They will support cross-border data agreements, promote secure cloud service provider platforms, improve digital governance, and strengthen oversight of AI systems through assistance in model selection, data integrity, and governance practices.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, foreign-based nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Applicants must not be listed in the Exclusions section of SAM.gov or have any outstanding debt to the U.S. Government.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
