The UNITE program is a grant opportunity from the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, aimed at fostering partnerships between U.S. universities, companies, and Saudi institutions to address workforce and development challenges in Saudi Arabia. The program will fund projects in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, with each project receiving up to $25,000. The goal is to create lasting collaborations that benefit both U.S. and Saudi interests.
Who it's for: This grant is for U.S. academic institutions that can lead and manage partnerships with U.S. companies or technical partners and Saudi institutions. The ideal applicants are universities that have the capacity to coordinate and support multiple project teams focused on strategic sectors.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of a U.S. academic institution as the lead applicant
- Inability to form partnerships with both U.S. and Saudi entities
- Failure to provide a 1:1 cost-share match
- Proposals that do not address the specified strategic sectors
- Lack of a U.S.-linked deliverable
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Partnership agreements with U.S. companies and Saudi institutions
- Budget plan including cost-share details
- Plan for a U.S.-linked deliverable
- Proof of institutional commitment
- Curriculum vitae of key personnel
- Letters of support from partners
Cautions
- Must provide a 1:1 cost-share match
- Only one U.S. academic institution will be awarded
- Projects must result in a U.S.-linked deliverable
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
The grant is open to any U.S. academic institution capable of leading and managing partnerships with U.S. companies or technical partners and Saudi institutions. There are no specific restrictions on the type of U.S. academic institution, but the lead must be able to coordinate the project teams and ensure the creation of U.S.-linked deliverables.
Overview
This grant is for U.S. academic institutions that can lead and manage partnerships with U.S. companies or technical partners and Saudi institutions. The ideal applicants are universities that have the capacity to coordinate and support multiple project teams focused on strategic sectors.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of a U.S. academic institution as the lead applicant
- Inability to form partnerships with both U.S. and Saudi entities
- Failure to provide a 1:1 cost-share match
- Proposals that do not address the specified strategic sectors
- Lack of a U.S.-linked deliverable
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to support university-industry partnerships that address workforce and development gaps in Saudi Arabia. This includes developing curricula, technical roadmaps, and other deliverables that foster U.S.-Saudi collaboration in strategic sectors.
Total Program Funding
$150,000
Expected Awards
1
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Aug 18, 2026
- Deadline
- Sep 17, 2026(21 days)
- Archive Date
- Oct 17, 2026
Application Checklist
- Register your institution in the required federal systems
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal
- Secure partnership agreements with U.S. and Saudi entities
- Prepare a detailed budget with cost-share information
- Outline a plan for a U.S.-linked deliverable
- Gather CVs and letters of support from key personnel
- Submit the application by the deadline