Prosperity Stack Fellowship

The Prosperity Stack Fellowship is a federal grant opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section. This funding opportunity is designed as a strategic public diplomacy initiative to strengthen cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea in the fields of artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program emphasizes connecting Korean early-stage entrepreneurs with American expertise, technology platforms, and business practices. It is structured as a fellowship or accelerator-style program that leverages American Spaces in Korea as regional hubs for engagement and learning. The primary purpose of the grant is to design and implement a multi-phase accelerator program that supports Korean startup teams in developing AI-driven concepts while integrating U.S. technical knowledge and entrepreneurial methodologies. The fellowship includes structured training, mentorship, regional engagement, and public showcase opportunities. The initiative aims to enhance participants’ understanding of U.S. AI technologies and business ecosystems, while also strengthening professional networks between Korean innovators and American experts. A key outcome is to advance startup concepts toward market readiness while promoting U.S. leadership in AI and innovation globally. Funding for this opportunity totals 108000 dollars, with one anticipated award. The period of performance ranges from 12 to 24 months, with projects expected to begin in October 2026. Funds are intended to support program implementation activities such as staffing, coordination, training delivery, mentorship facilitation, outreach, and logistical support. Allowable costs include program materials, participant support, and technical resources, while certain restrictions apply, such as limitations on venue rental costs unless authorized and prohibitions on direct payments to U.S. speakers without prior approval. Additionally, funds cannot be used for prohibited entities or activities outlined in federal compliance requirements. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate strong organizational capacity, technical understanding of artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship ecosystems, and the ability to manage fellowship or accelerator programs. They must also show familiarity with Korea’s innovation landscape and the ability to coordinate with U.S. and Korean experts, mentors, and institutions. Registration requirements include obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining active registration in SAM.gov. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms, including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable, along with a detailed proposal of up to ten pages. The proposal must outline objectives, activities, implementation plans, timelines, personnel, partnerships, and evaluation strategies. Additional required components include a budget justification narrative, resumes of key personnel, and letters of support. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated embassy address. The deadline for submission is July 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. local time in Seoul. Applications are evaluated based on strategic relevance, quality of design, organizational capacity, monitoring and evaluation plans, budget effectiveness, and sustainability. A review committee assesses proposals, and risk factors such as financial stability and past performance are considered. Award decisions are expected by the end of September 2026, with selected recipients notified via email. The program includes reporting requirements and compliance with federal regulations, including branding, financial tracking, and data reporting obligations. The fellowship is a single-cycle opportunity tied to fiscal year funding, with no explicit indication of recurring annual availability. The anticipated timeline includes application submission in July 2026, award notification by September 2026, and project initiation in October 2026. The program concludes with a final demonstration event and follow-on engagement activities to showcase participant outcomes and reinforce long-term collaboration between U.S. and Korean innovation ecosystems.

Align proposal with U.S.-ROK cooperation goals; demonstrate strong implementation capacity; provide clear measurable outcomes and evaluation plan; ensure budget is realistic and justified