U.S. India Sports Technology Dialogues and Innovation Program

The U.S.–India Sports Technology Dialogues and Innovation Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. This program is funded under the FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives by strengthening bilateral engagement between the United States and India. Specifically, it supports the broader “Mission 500” initiative, which aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries to $500 billion by 2030. The program positions sports technology as a strategic sector for collaboration, emphasizing innovation, commercial partnerships, and knowledge exchange between U.S. and Indian stakeholders. The core purpose of this opportunity is to increase awareness, adoption, and engagement with U.S. sports technology, sports analytics systems, and sports medicine capabilities among Indian institutions and decision-makers. The program is expected to deliver structured dialogues, applied demonstrations, and targeted engagement activities across multiple Indian cities. These activities are intended to connect Indian sports authorities, leagues, and institutions with U.S. experts, companies, and research organizations. By doing so, the initiative seeks to create a pipeline for future partnerships, pilot projects, and commercial opportunities involving American innovation in sports performance and management. Funding under this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, with a total program funding amount of $150,000 and a single anticipated award. The period of performance is up to 18 months, with an anticipated start date of September 2026. Funds are intended to support programmatic activities such as conferences, workshops, demonstrations, expert exchanges, and innovation showcases. However, there are clear restrictions on funding use. The program does not support construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, fundraising campaigns, scientific research, or commercial projects primarily intended for organizational growth. Cost sharing is not required, although applicants are encouraged to demonstrate additional institutional or in-kind support where feasible. Eligibility for this grant is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, governmental institutions, and individuals. While for-profit organizations are mentioned, their eligibility is restricted under public diplomacy funding rules. All organizational applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain an active registration in SAM.gov, while India-based organizations must also comply with the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. Applicants are limited to submitting only one proposal, and failure to meet submission requirements or duplication of proposals will result in disqualification. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal of up to 10 pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, goals and objectives, activity descriptions, implementation methodology, timeline, personnel details, partner information, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget and justification narrative, as well as supporting documentation such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of organizational status. Applications may be submitted through Grants.gov, MyGrants, or via email to the designated State Department address. Applications are due by July 6, 2026 at 11:59 pm Washington DC time. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria including program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. The review process includes an eligibility screening, technical evaluation, and risk assessment. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement with the Department of State and must comply with reporting, monitoring, and branding requirements throughout the grant period.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals; demonstrate clear outcomes and partnerships; provide detailed and realistic budget; include strong M&E framework