FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- DFOP0018285
- Agency
-
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Department of State
- Applications due
- Award size
- $1,320,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Cooperative Agreement
- Category
-
- Other
- Eligible applicants
-
- Higher Education Inst. (Public)
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Higher Education Inst. (Private)
- Points of contact
-
- Julia Gómez-Nelson nelsonjg2@state.gov (202) 623-6409
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks one U.S.-based nonprofit organization or educational institution to design and implement the FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX), an international arts exchange program connecting American creative professionals and technologists with international peers at the intersection of arts and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public higher education institutions, or private higher education institutions with at least four years of experience conducting international exchanges and current active registrations in SAM.gov and MyGrants. Key program objectives include positioning American technology as a driver of innovation and cultural influence, supporting up to 30 balanced participants across the United States and three to five partner countries through collaborative labs, fellowships, workshops, and public showcases. The evaluation will assess program quality, institutional capacity, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation planning aligned with ECA's MODE Framework, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by July 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The award amount is approximately $1.32 million with an 18-month performance period and an anticipated award date of September 1, 2026. The implementing organization will be responsible for all U.S.-based activities, participant recruitment and selection, domestic and international travel, accommodations, visa fees, staff expenses, and safety protocols for up to 30 participants. Programming may occur in the United States, overseas, or in hybrid formats, with U.S. missions providing in-country nominations and support for foreign participants. The recipient must develop a comprehensive Performance Monitoring and Evaluation plan tracking participant outcomes in cultural competence, cross-cultural engagement, skills development, and network building.
Synopsis
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
The U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX) is a new international arts exchange program that drives economic growth by connecting U.S. creative professionals and technologists with international peers working at the intersection of the arts and emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to position American technology as a key driver of American innovation, economic, and cultural influence in art and technology, For the purposes of this program, "arts" refers specifically to architecture, creative coding and gaming, fashion, graphic design, music and immersive art such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR); but excludes film and television.
U.S.CTX will support up to 30 participants through short-term, hands-on activities such as collaborative labs, fellowships, workshops, and public showcases.
ECA will award one U.S.-based nonprofit or educational organization $1.32 million to design and implement the program in close coordination with ECA and U.S. embassies. Applicants should propose a concept that leverages their strengths and includes clear plans for recruitment, program delivery, and measurable outcomes in creative arts, economic impact, and public diplomacy.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Update #1 ·
The U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX) is a new international arts exchange program that drives economic growth by connecting U.S. creative professionals and technologists with international peers working at the intersection of the arts and emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to position American technology as a key driver of American innovation, economic, and cultural influence in art and technology, For the purposes of this program, "arts" refers specifically to architecture, creative coding and gaming, fashion, graphic design, music and immersive art such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR); but excludes film and television. U.S.CTX will support up to 30 participants through short-term, hands-on activities such as collaborative labs, fellowships, workshops, and public showcases. ECA will award one U.S.-based nonprofit or educational organization $1.32 million to design and implement the program in close coordination with ECA and U.S. embassies. Applicants should propose a concept that leverages their strengths and includes clear plans for recruitment, program delivery, and measurable outcomes in creative arts, economic impact, and public diplomacy. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025.pdf | ||
| performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025-4.docx | DOCX document | |
| FY26 U.S.CTX NOFO.pdf |
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