Secure Innovation: Advancing Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Resilience in Argentina

The Secure Innovation: Advancing Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Resilience in Argentina funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, specifically its Public Diplomacy Section. This initiative is funded through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to support projects that align with U.S. foreign policy priorities in promoting secure, transparent, and market-driven digital ecosystems. The program emphasizes strengthening Argentina’s innovation landscape while fostering bilateral cooperation between the United States and Argentina in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The primary purpose of this grant is to equip Argentine entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, students, and innovation hubs with practical knowledge and tools related to responsible AI adoption and cybersecurity practices. The program seeks to improve participants’ understanding of secure digital systems, protect intellectual property, and encourage economic resilience through technology adoption aligned with U.S. standards. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes such as increasing AI and cybersecurity capacity among at least 250 participants, fostering partnerships between U.S. and Argentine organizations, and building sustainable professional networks that extend beyond the grant period. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. Embassy will play a substantial role in program implementation, including approving participant selection strategies, reviewing program content, and contributing to public diplomacy messaging. The total available funding is approximately 100000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 25000 to 100000 dollars. Only one award is anticipated. The expected performance period ranges from 12 to 24 months, with project activities typically occurring between September 2026 and August 2027. Continuation funding may be considered based on performance and availability of funds. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Projects must not include prohibited activities such as political advocacy, construction, charitable direct services, or scientific research unrelated to program goals. Applicants may partner with other entities through subcontracts, but only one eligible organization may serve as the prime recipient. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms (SF-424 series), a detailed narrative proposal of up to ten pages, a comprehensive budget and justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and proof of nonprofit status. The proposal must include sections such as a problem statement, project design, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Applicants must also include specific indicators to measure outcomes, particularly participant understanding of U.S. regulatory practices. Submissions are accepted via email and must clearly reference the funding opportunity title and number. Applications are due by May 31, 2026, although another section specifies a submission deadline of May 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM Argentine time, indicating a potential discrepancy that applicants should clarify. Proposals are reviewed based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the deadline. For questions, applicants may contact the program via US-ArgentinaGrants@state.gov. Overall, this opportunity supports scalable, high-impact projects that promote secure innovation and strengthen U.S.-Argentina collaboration in emerging technologies.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes; provide detailed and feasible implementation plan; include robust monitoring and evaluation framework