Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DFOP0019227
The MERC Program funds collaborative applied research among U.S., Israeli, and MENA partners to address regional challenges in technology, energy, water, agriculture, manufacturing, and health.
Funder: Department of State
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (Application closing / final submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$2,000,000 per award (1–4 years); ~$10,000,000 total program funding; ~7 expected awards
Summary: Funds collaborative applied research and innovation partnerships among the U.S., Israel, and MENA countries to address regional challenges and advance U.S. strategic interests.
Description
The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program supports applied, collaborative scientific research and innovation partnerships involving the United States, Israel, and countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The program funds projects that address regionally relevant challenges while promoting U.S. economic and technological leadership. MERC emphasizes partnerships that demonstrate clear potential for application, commercialization, and market adoption, especially in areas aligned with U.S. strategic priorities such as critical and emerging technologies, energy security, water and infrastructure, advanced agriculture, supply chain and manufacturing, and health security. All projects must include organizations from Israel and at least one eligible MENA country or territory, and U.S. participation is encouraged.
