American Innovation Hub: AI Digital Skills for the Creative Tech Economy

The American Innovation Hubs: AI and Digital Skills for the Creative and Tech Economy funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Embassy Jakarta under the U.S. Department of State Public Diplomacy Section. This initiative is designed to strengthen U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and the creative economy while advancing public diplomacy goals in Indonesia. The program aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives by promoting trusted American technologies and fostering long-term engagement with Indonesian youth, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals. It is funded through FY 2026 Fulbright-Hays funds and structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy throughout implementation. The primary purpose of this grant is to transform five existing American Corners in Indonesia into fully operational American Innovation Hubs. These hubs will serve as centers for AI-driven learning, digital creativity, and entrepreneurial development. The program aims to equip participants with full-stack American AI tools and standards while simultaneously building institutional capacity within the host locations. The initiative emphasizes sustained engagement rather than one-time events, focusing on measurable behavioral change and long-term skill development among participants. Funding for this opportunity ranges from 250000 to 263114 dollars, with a total program funding amount of 263114 dollars and one anticipated award. The period of performance is up to 24 months, with an anticipated project start date in October 2026. Allowable activities include procurement of AI hardware and software, training programs, staffing, and development of digital content such as podcasts, AI-generated media, and marketing campaigns. However, restrictions prohibit funding for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, fundraising, and scientific research, among other categories. Eligibility is open to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and individuals, although only one nonprofit entity may serve as the prime recipient. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded from receiving awards, though subcontracting arrangements are permitted. Applicants must meet federal registration requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining an active SAM.gov registration. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, allowing applicants flexibility in structuring their financial contributions. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal narrative limited to five pages. Applicants must also provide a monitoring and evaluation plan, theory of change, budget justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. Proposals must clearly address program goals, demonstrate organizational capacity, and outline a feasible implementation plan. Applications are submitted via email to the designated embassy grants inbox. Evaluation criteria include program quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, project planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Each application is scored based on these criteria, with particular emphasis on alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the application deadline. The application deadline for this opportunity is August 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM Western Indonesia Time. The program is not described as recurring, and therefore represents a single funding cycle unless otherwise reissued in future years. Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement with ongoing oversight from the U.S. Embassy, including approval of program design, staffing, and major activities throughout the grant period.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes; provide detailed implementation plan; justify budget clearly