U.S-Saudi AI Research Commercialization Accelerator Program (ReCAP)
Limited submission
This 12-month program connects Saudi AI innovators with U.S. technology and investment through commercialization labs, a U.S. study tour, and a joint summit to strengthen bilateral AI partnerships.
Funder: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Due Dates: September 14, 2026: Application deadline
Funding Amounts: $600,000–$900,000 for a single 12-month cooperative agreement; one award anticipated
Summary: Funds a 12-month accelerator program to connect Saudi AI innovations with U.S. commercialization expertise, fostering bilateral technology partnerships.
Key Information: Not-for-profit, educational, and public organizations only; for-profit entities may only participate as contractors.
Description
This funding opportunity supports the design and implementation of the U.S.–Saudi AI Research Commercialization Accelerator Program (ReCAP), a 12-month initiative overseen by the U.S. Embassy Riyadh Public Diplomacy Section. The program aims to bridge Saudi Arabia's growing AI innovation ecosystem with the United States' strengths in technology commercialization, investment, and entrepreneurship.
ReCAP will identify and evaluate 20–30 Saudi-developed AI technologies, select approximately 10 for intensive U.S.-led commercialization programming, and provide applied Innovation Labs, a U.S. study tour, and a culminating U.S.–Saudi AI Research Commercialization Summit. The program is intended to strengthen durable relationships between Saudi innovators and the American technology and investment ecosystem, advancing U.S. foreign policy and economic interests.
Applicants must propose methodologies that are market-oriented, applied, and focused on measurable commercialization outcomes, rather than traditional academic or capacity-building activities. Strong integration of U.S. expertise, institutions, and networks is required throughout all program components.
