Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs
- Award Range
- $2,000,000 to $5,000,000
- Deadline
- Closed 2026-08-02
- Time Remaining
- This cycle closed on 2026-08-02. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
- CFDA Number
- 19.108
The Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the notice: U.S. based non profit or non governmental organizations with or without 501(c) 3 status of the U.S. tax code; foreign based non profit organizations or non-government organizations; For profit organizations; Public and private educational institutions; Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions. Applicant types on grants.gov: For profit organizations other than small businesses.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.
Businesses can apply. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program; the notice's other requirements still apply. Not sure your business fits? Run the free Grant Finder check →
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit once the next cycle opens. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia |
| Funding Agency | Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs |
| CFDA Number | 19.108 |
| Award Minimum | $2,000,000 |
| Award Maximum | $5,000,000 |
| Deadline | Closed 2026-08-02 |
| Category | International |
| Matching Required | No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program |
| Application Link | Apply on Grants.gov |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for International grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia program?
Details from the notice: U.S. based non profit or non governmental organizations with or without 501(c) 3 status of the U.S. tax code; foreign based non profit organizations or non-government organizations; For profit organizations; Public and private educational institutions; Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions. Applicant types on grants.gov: For profit organizations other than small businesses. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.
Can a for-profit business apply for the Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia program?
Yes. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program. The notice's other eligibility requirements still apply, so confirm them on the official listing.
What is the deadline for Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia?
The current deadline is closed on 2026-08-02; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.
Does Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (AI-ACES) in South Asia require matching funds?
No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.