Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)
The MERC Program funds joint applied research projects connecting U.S., Israeli, and MENA organizations to address regional challenges, promote innovation, and strengthen economic and strategic partnerships.
Funder: Assistance Coordination
Due Dates: September 30, 2026: Statement of Interest (SOI) submission deadline (submit SOI by 11:59pm EDT)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$2,000,000 per award (up to 4 years); ~$10,000,000 total program funding; ~7 awards anticipated
Summary: Supports joint applied research and innovation partnerships among U.S., Israeli, and MENA institutions to address regional challenges and advance U.S. strategic interests.
Key Information: All projects must include at least one Israeli and one eligible MENA organization; U.S. participation is encouraged but optional.
Description
The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, funds collaborative applied research and innovation projects involving institutions from Israel and eligible Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, with optional participation from U.S. organizations. The program’s goal is to address shared regional challenges, foster peaceful cooperation, and advance U.S. economic, technological, and strategic interests in the region. MERC emphasizes projects that move beyond basic research to demonstrate practical application, commercialization potential, and broader adoption, including opportunities for U.S. technology deployment and business expansion.
Projects must be collaborative, involving at least one Israeli and one eligible MENA partner. U.S. organizations may participate, especially where they add technical expertise or facilitate market expansion for U.S. technologies. MERC is open to a wide range of scientific disciplines, but proposals should align with U.S. and regional priorities and demonstrate potential for tangible outcomes, commercialization, and long-term partnerships.
