AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX)
The APEX grant funds a program connecting young Saudi AI leaders with U.S. experts through virtual training, a two-week U.S. exchange, and a follow-up summit in Saudi Arabia to foster professional networks and partnerships.
Funder: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Due Dates: September 8, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications due by September 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM AST)
Funding Amounts: $150,000–$250,000 for a 12–24 month project; one award expected
Summary: Supports a cooperative exchange program connecting rising Saudi AI leaders with U.S. experts to foster professional networks, technology standards knowledge, and bilateral partnerships.
Description
This opportunity, administered by the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia, funds a cooperative agreement to implement the AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX) program. The program aims to connect emerging Saudi leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) with U.S. experts from business, academia, and technology sectors. Through a structured multi-phase exchange—including virtual preparation, a U.S.-based study tour, and a follow-on summit in Saudi Arabia—the initiative seeks to build sustainable professional networks, expose participants to U.S. technology standards and innovation ecosystems, and catalyze lasting institutional partnerships between the two countries.
The program targets Saudi nationals (and select long-term Arab residents) aged 20–30 who are undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral students, or recent graduates, actively engaged in AI-related fields. The selected implementing partner will be responsible for designing and executing all program phases, including participant recruitment, virtual and in-person training, U.S. exchange logistics, mentorship coordination, and a capstone project showcase.
