FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange | DFOP0018285

FAQs: FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX)

What is the FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX)?

The FY 2026 U.S. Creative Tech Exchange (U.S.CTX) is a new international arts exchange initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It is designed to connect American creative professionals and technologists with international counterparts working at the intersection of arts and emerging technologies, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI).

What is the purpose of U.S.CTX?

The initiative is positioned as a public diplomacy and innovation effort. Its stated goals include strengthening U.S. economic growth and cultural influence, showcasing American technology as a driver of creativity and entrepreneurship, and supporting global cultural leadership through responsible and innovative creative technology engagement.

Who is funding and administering this opportunity?

This opportunity is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

What types of disciplines are considered "arts" for this program?

For this opportunity, "arts" includes architecture, creative coding and gaming, fashion, graphic design, music, and immersive art forms such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).

Are film and television projects eligible under this program?

No. Film and television are explicitly excluded from the definition of "arts" for this opportunity, indicating proposals should focus on interactive, design-forward, and technology-enabled creative fields rather than traditional screen production.

How many participants does ECA intend to support?

ECA intends to support up to 30 participants through short-term, practical, hands-on activities.

What kinds of activities are expected in the exchange model?

The exchange model can include collaborative labs, fellowships, workshops, and public showcases. The emphasis is on practical, hands-on work rather than discussion-only programming.

Is the program expected to produce tangible outputs?

Yes. The opportunity description emphasizes making, testing, building prototypes, producing creative work, and presenting outcomes to wider audiences through public-facing components such as showcases or presentations.

What is meant by "cooperative agreement" for this award?

The award will be made as a cooperative agreement, which means the implementing organization should expect substantial involvement and coordination with ECA during program design and delivery.

Will the recipient need to coordinate with U.S. embassies?

Yes. The recipient will work closely with U.S. embassies, which typically support partner identification, participant engagement in host countries, local programming coordination, and alignment with U.S. public diplomacy objectives.

How many awards does ECA expect to make?

ECA expects to make one award.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $1,320,000.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

The opportunity is open to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. Eligible applicants include U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), as well as certain other eligible entities as allowed in the full notice.

Is the award limited to U.S.-based applicants?

Yes. The opportunity specifies that the award will be made to a U.S.-based nonprofit organization or educational institution.

What responsibilities will the selected organization have?

The selected organization will be responsible for designing and implementing the full program concept. This includes participant recruitment and selection processes, program logistics and content delivery, partnerships, and final public-facing components such as showcases or presentations.

What does ECA say makes a proposal competitive?

A competitive proposal is expected to present a clear concept that builds on the applicant organization's demonstrated strengths and networks in creative technology fields. It should include detailed plans for recruiting and selecting participants, structuring and delivering activities, defining hands-on outputs, and measuring results.

What are the outcome themes ECA is looking for?

ECA is looking for measurable outcomes across three themes: (1) creative arts advancement, (2) economic impact (such as professional growth, commercialization pathways, new collaborations, or market exposure), and (3) public diplomacy outcomes (such as strengthening international ties, improving mutual understanding, and elevating U.S. leadership in responsible and innovative creative technology).

Is artificial intelligence (AI) a focus area?

Yes. The initiative places a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) within creative technology exchange activities.

What is the opportunity number for this funding notice?

The opportunity number is DFOP0018285.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 19.415.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is July 6, 2026.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 7, 2026.

What type of funding is this?

This opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is listed as "Other."

Where can applicants find details on allowable costs, budget rules, and compliance requirements?

Applicants are directed to consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for specific requirements related to budget structure, allowable costs, monitoring and evaluation expectations, compliance obligations, and any required program elements tied to ECA exchange standards.