Tech Innovation Lab

Funding Opportunity Title: Tech Innovation Lab

Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-MOROCCO-FY26-03

Deadline for Applications: July 13, 2026 at 23:59 GMT+1

Assistance Listing Number: 19.040

Length of performance period: 12 to 18 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1 award

Total available funding: $200,000 pending availability of funds 

Type of Funding: FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds 

Anticipated project start date: October 2026

 

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 months or less

 

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

 

This notice is subject to availability of funding

 

A.  Executive Summary:

The Tech & Innovation Lab is a national program that equips participants in two to four Moroccan cities with practical skills to use American technology and business practices to solve real-world challenges. The program focuses on applying U.S.-developed tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to priority sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and the blue economy, logistics, tourism, and services, while introducing participants to U.S. technology platforms and companies operating in these sectors.

The Lab aims to strengthen participants’ ability to build solutions that are market-relevant, and scalable, using American products. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship from American experts, and applied project work, participants will learn how to design, test, and improve solutions using proven U.S. approaches in innovation, product development, and technology adoption. The program will also highlight U.S. commercial models and create exposure to American products and services, encouraging participants to integrate U.S. technologies and AI into their solutions.

 

B. Goals & Objectives:

Morocco is undergoing rapid digital and economic transformation, with increasing demand for advanced technical skills, innovation capacity, and private sector–driven solutions across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and the blue economy, logistics, tourism, and services. At the same time, there is a growing need to strengthen the adoption of trusted, high-quality technology platforms and business practices that support sustainable growth and economic resilience.

Goal:

To advance U.S. leadership in innovation and technology, and promote market access for American products by equipping participants with practical skills to apply American technologies and business practices to develop scalable, market-relevant solutions in priority sectors in Morocco.

Objectives:

1. Promote the adoption and integration of trusted American technologies and platforms.
2. Increase participants’ technical capacity to apply U.S.-developed tools, including artificial intelligence, to real-world challenges.
3. Strengthen understanding and application of U.S. best practices in product development, innovation, and business models.
4. Facilitate connections between Moroccan participants and U.S. companies, experts, and innovation ecosystems.
5. Support the development of solutions that contribute to local economic growth and job creation.

Program Activities and Components:

Applicants should propose a cohort-based program implemented in two to four Moroccan cities, with each city hosting a dedicated cohort over a period of three to four months per cohort. Programming may be sequenced or partially overlapping across locations, depending on implementation capacity.

Participant Eligibility:

Participants should meet the following criteria:

• Moroccan citizens residing in target cities
• University students, recent graduates, or early-career professionals
• Background in technology, business, or related fields (preferred but not mandatory)
• Demonstrated interest in applying technology to solve practical challenges
• Basic proficiency in English (preferred)

Budget Guidance:

Applicants should submit a detailed budget that may include:

• Participant Costs: Travel, lodging (if needed), and per diem for participants attending in-person sessions
• Venue and Logistics: Workshop space, equipment, internet access
• Trainer and Speaker Costs: Honoraria, travel, and accommodation for American and local experts
• Program Materials: Software licenses (U.S.-based platforms), training materials, supplies
• Communications and Outreach: Recruitment, visibility, and program branding
• Monitoring and Evaluation Costs

 

Limitations and Regulations:

All proposed activities must comply with U.S. government regulations and public diplomacy guidelines. Funds may not be used for construction, major equipment purchases not directly tied to program delivery, or activities that are purely academic or research-focused without a clear public diplomacy component.

 Applicants are expected to demonstrate the capacity to manage an 18-month, multi-phase program and deliver measurable outcomes that advance U.S. leadership, visibility, and partnerships in space and technology.

 

C. Substantial Involvement:

The Public Affairs Office will be actively involved in the award implementation. U.S. Embassy staff will:

·      Provide standardized logos/branding guidelines for promotional materials.

·      Approve marketing materials and participate in promotional activities of the program, utilizing the U.S. Mission’s social media platforms and media contacts.

·      Approve proposed venues.

·      Approve participant and trainer recruitment and selection plans.

·      Assist in identifying and contacting alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, representatives of U.S. companies, and enlisting U.S. Mission personnel as potential speakers or trainers.

Review and approve proposed program speaker and trainer rosters and activity/workshop/site visit content and formats.

 

D. Application Contents & Format:

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

 

Content of Application

Please ensure:

·      The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

·      All documents are in English

·      All budgets are in U.S. dollars

·      All pages are numbered

·      All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

·      All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required: 

1.  Mandatory application forms

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

 

2.  Proposal (10 pages maximum)

The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below. 

·       Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

·       Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies.

·       Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed

·       Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

·       Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

·       Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

·       Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

·       Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program? 

·       Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

·       Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

·       Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

 

3.   Budget Justification Narrative

After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

 

4.   Attachments

·      1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

·       Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

·       If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file. 

·      Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

 

E. Submission Requirements and deadlines:

1.    Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available at U.S. embassy website and grants.gov.

2.    Department of State Contacts If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: RabatGrants@state.gov

3.    Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)Required Registrations

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

 

4.    Submission Dates and Times :

All proposals and application materials must be submitted by email to Rabatgrants@state.gov

Applications are due no later than Monday July 13, 2026 at 23:59 GMT+1

Address to Request Application Package 

Application forms required above are available under "Related documents" in Grants.gov and;

Under "Forms" at: https://ma.usembassy.gov/education/funding-opportunities/  

Department of State Contacts 

If you have any questions about the grant application process or the NOFO, please contact: Rabatgrants@state.gov  

Please include "Tech Innovation Lab" in the subject line.