Young Innovators STEM Lab: Empowering Future Partners to the USA

The U.S. Department of State, through its Embassy in New Delhi, India, is inviting applications for a funding opportunity titled "Young Innovators STEM Lab: Empowering Future Partners to the USA." This initiative is administered under the U.S. Mission to India’s Public Diplomacy Programs, listed under assistance listing 19.040. The purpose of this program is to establish a STEM-focused learning lab for Indian students between the ages of 13 and 21, particularly those in secondary schools and undergraduate institutions. The lab will serve as a platform to foster science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education based on experiential learning and U.S. educational models. The overarching aim is to inspire students toward future studies in the United States, enhance bilateral partnerships, and promote STEM-related career development. The lab will utilize a technology-driven, hands-on curriculum that encourages innovative thinking and practical skills development. Instruction will be delivered in English and will target students with basic English proficiency. The STEM Lab is expected to function as an incubator for future academic and professional collaboration between Indian youth and U.S. academic institutions or businesses. Through this effort, the program contributes to the broader U.S.-India COMPACT for the 21st Century initiative, which seeks to deepen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between the two nations. Funding for this program will be distributed through a cooperative agreement. The estimated total program funding is $125,000, with a fixed award amount of $125,000 allocated to a single award. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds from applicants. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations (such as think tanks and NGOs), public and private educational institutions, individuals, and public international or governmental organizations. This broad eligibility criterion allows a wide range of entities and individuals to participate, provided they can effectively deliver the STEM Lab as envisioned. Applicants must submit their complete application packages by August 9, 2025. The opportunity was first posted on June 25, 2025, and remains open as of now. There is no indication of a recurring deadline or future cycle in the current documentation. Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, organizational capacity, and the feasibility of proposed activities. Specific evaluation criteria and application components are not detailed in the available notice, so interested applicants are encouraged to directly review the full grant package via the provided link in MyGrants or contact the grant officer for more information. All application materials must be submitted electronically, and the funder has provided a dedicated email for inquiries: ND_GrantApplications@state.gov. While the notice does not specify a contact person or provide a phone number, applicants encountering issues with accessing the announcement or submitting materials are encouraged to use this contact for support. This funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in youth development and international collaboration through STEM education. It aims to enhance soft diplomacy by strengthening educational and technological ties between the United States and India while fostering the next generation of globally minded innovators.