CFAs: AI Partnership and Exchange for Tech Leaders (Saudi Arabia)

U.S. Embassy Riyadh launches AI Partnership and Exchange for Tech Leaders with grants of $150,000–$250,000

The U.S. Embassy Riyadh has opened a funding opportunity titled the AI Partnership and Exchange for Tech Leaders, offering grants between $150,000 and $250,000 to eligible organisations that design and implement exchange activities, professional networking, and institutional partnerships focused on artificial intelligence and technology innovation. The programme, which has an estimated total programme funding of $250,000, seeks to connect emerging Saudi AI professionals with American experts and has a submission deadline of 08-Sep-2026.

"The programme supports initiatives that connect emerging Saudi AI leaders with leading American professionals from academia, industry, government, and the technology sector," the funding announcement states, outlining the central objective of building long‑term partnerships to advance innovation and knowledge sharing.

Designed as an international exchange initiative, the programme emphasises professional exchanges, networking and institutional collaboration. It targets projects that strengthen U.S.–Saudi cooperation in AI, build international professional networks, encourage knowledge transfer, promote innovation and research collaboration, and support the development of future technology leaders. Funded activities may include AI leadership exchanges, professional networking events, workshops and seminars, expert panel discussions, academic engagement programmes, industry visits, collaborative learning activities, and technology‑focused dialogue sessions.

Eligibility is open to a broad range of organisations capable of managing international exchange programmes. The announcement lists eligible applicants as not‑for‑profit organisations, think tanks, civil society organisations, non‑governmental organisations (NGOs), public and private educational institutions, public international organisations and governmental institutions. Applicants are required to demonstrate experience in programme management, international cooperation, education, technology or professional exchanges.

• Funding range: minimum award $150,000; maximum award $250,000; estimated total programme funding $250,000.
• Deadline for applications: 08-Sep-2026.
• Eligible applicants: not‑for‑profits, think tanks, civil society organisations, NGOs, public and private educational institutions, public international organisations and governmental institutions.
• Priority activities: exchanges, networking, institutional partnerships, workshops, industry visits, and academic collaboration.

Applicants are instructed to submit comprehensive proposals that include a project plan, programme objectives, an activity schedule, a detailed budget justifying requests between $150,000 and $250,000, and supporting organisational documents. The announcement provides a clear application checklist covering the completed application form, organisational profile, project proposal, programme implementation plan, activity schedule, budget, expected outcomes and impact, partnership information and a monitoring and evaluation approach.

Assessment criteria will consider organisational capacity, the quality and relevance of the proposed programme, the strength of U.S.–Saudi collaboration, professional networking opportunities, sustainability of partnerships, budget justification and expected impact. The announcement warns against common mistakes such as failing to demonstrate international collaboration, weak programme design, insufficient focus on AI and unrealistic budgets—highlighting that projects which "clearly demonstrate long‑term collaboration and meaningful participant engagement are likely to be more competitive."

Outlook: The initiative offers a targeted avenue for organisations in Saudi Arabia and the United States to build durable academic and industry ties around artificial intelligence. Successful projects are expected to produce stronger U.S.–Saudi AI partnerships, expanded international professional networks, greater understanding of technology standards and sustained institutional cooperation beyond the grant period.