AI Pathways To The Future

The AI Pathways to the Future program is a federal funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy Jakarta Public Diplomacy Section. This initiative is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the United States and Indonesia in the field of artificial intelligence education, research, and innovation. The program aligns with U.S. foreign policy priorities by promoting AI innovation, workforce development, and long-term partnerships between academic institutions and technology stakeholders in both countries. It reflects the strategic importance of Indonesia as a regional leader in Southeast Asia and seeks to position the United States as a preferred partner in AI advancement. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of a comprehensive program that connects U.S. and Indonesian higher education institutions, technology companies, and students through structured engagement activities. These include a multi-day AI Pathways Workshop and a subsequent five-month AI Innovation Mentorship Challenge. The workshop is intended to facilitate dialogue, networking, and collaboration among universities, policymakers, and industry leaders, while the mentorship challenge focuses on developing practical AI-driven solutions to infrastructure challenges in Jakarta such as flooding, traffic congestion, and waste management. Funding for this opportunity is provided through the FY26 Smith Mundt ECE Fund, with a total available funding amount of approximately 75000 dollars. Only one award is anticipated, with individual award amounts ranging from 50000 to 75000 dollars. The funding is issued as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy Jakarta in program implementation. The period of performance is expected to last between 9 and 12 months, with a target project start date at the end of September 2026. Allowable costs include personnel, workshop logistics, mentorship activities, travel (if applicable), and program-related communications, while restrictions prohibit funding for construction, direct social services, political activities, or scientific research unrelated to program goals. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and Indonesian higher educational institutions, specifically non-profit and non-governmental entities serving as the prime applicant. For-profit organizations are explicitly excluded from eligibility, although subcontracting arrangements with other entities are permitted. Applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. Cost sharing or matching is not required for this opportunity. The program emphasizes collaboration, requiring applicants to demonstrate the capacity to manage partnerships, recruit participants, and execute complex international programming. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms including SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal narrative not exceeding eight pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel details, partner roles, and sustainability plan. A detailed budget and budget justification narrative are also required, along with supporting attachments such as resumes and letters of support. Applications may be submitted via Grants.gov or directly via email to the designated embassy contact. Applications are due by August 9, 2026 at 1159 PM Western Indonesia Time. The review process evaluates proposals based on program quality, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability. Applicants are typically notified of results within 120 days after the deadline. The U.S. Embassy Jakarta plays an active role throughout the program, providing strategic guidance, stakeholder engagement, and approval authority over key program decisions.

Align proposal closely with stated objectives and U.S. foreign policy priorities; provide detailed implementation plan and measurable outcomes; ensure budget is precise and justified; demonstrate strong partnerships and organizational capacity