Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project
This grant funds the creation of a secure, AI-powered supply chain platform and digital corridor to enhance global AI supply chain security and logistics among partner countries.
Funder: Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
Due Dates: August 20, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: $1,000,000–$50,000,000 per award (up to 3 awards); project duration typically 24 months (up to 36 months with strong justification)
Summary: Supports creation of a secure, credentialed AI supply chain platform and logistics corridor among Pax Silica partner economies to strengthen global AI supply chain security.
Key Information: U.S. for-profits (including small businesses), U.S.-based nonprofits, and U.S. higher education institutions are eligible; no cost share required, but ≥$25,000 cost share earns review points.
Description
This opportunity funds the establishment of a trusted supply chain credentialing and provenance platform to secure the AI supply chain in partner countries and economies, under the Department of State’s Pax Silica initiative. The project aims to create a "Silicon Highway"—a digital-physical corridor that accelerates logistics and compliance operations among partner countries using cryptographic cargo verification, AI-expedited risk assessment, and expedited processing. The goal is to reduce dependencies on strategic competitors, protect sensitive AI supply chain information, and enable trusted AI infrastructure among likeminded partners.
The project will be implemented in two phases:
- Phase 1: Pilot in Panama, developing and deploying the platform.
- Phase 2: Expansion to additional Pax Silica signatory countries and targeted partner economies, to be finalized after successful completion of Phase 1.
Applicants must propose activities for both phases, including rationales for proposed Phase 2 countries.
