Description
The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan announces an open competition for past participants of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). The program aims to strengthen U.S.–Kazakhstan partnerships through alumni-led innovation, focusing on digital technologies and artificial intelligence solutions, as well as workforce development and youth professionalization. The project should engage local communities, foster alumni leadership, and deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes over a 3–12-month implementation period. The goals of the project include advancing digital technologies and AI solutions, demonstrating U.S. innovation and best practices, and promoting economic growth, expand opportunity, and strengthen institutional and human capacity in Kazakhstan.
• The project should target at least one of the following audiences: entrepreneurs, tech startups, and small business owners; university students and early-career professionals in STEM/IT fields; local organizations or NGOs capable of scaling digital innovation within communities.
• The project should result in at least five alumni-led projects adopting U.S.-based digital platforms, AI, and e-commerce models into their business or project operations.
• The project should result in at least 50 percent of participants adopting or piloting U.S.-based digital platforms or AI tools.
• The project should result in at least 60 percent of participants reporting preference for U.S. technology partners in future business decisions.