The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan announces an open competition for past participants ( alumni ) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). Teams of at least two eligible alumni may apply to design and implement initiatives that leverage U.S. expertise, values, and professional networks to advance mutual interests. AEIF 2026 supports projects focused on digital technologies and artificial intelligence solutions and using workforce development and youth professionalization to promote economic growth, expand opportunity, and strengthen institutional and human capacity in Kazakhstan, while deepening long-term U.S. Kazakhstan cooperation. Projects should engage local communities, foster alumni leadership, and deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes over a 3 12-month implementation period during 2026.
All projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America (Freedom250) and reflect shared commitments to innovation, open exchange of ideas, broad-based prosperity, and the responsible adoption of trusted digital technologies. Freedom 250 is a whole-of-government, year-long U.S. initiative that marks the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 by engaging the public, strengthening civic involvement, and celebrating America's history and achievements in innovation, entrepreneurship, athletics, and the arts. Through alumni-led, community-driven solutions, AEIF advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by expanding economic, technological, and people-to-people ties between the United States and Kazakhstan.
Project Goal: Expand U.S.- Kazakhstan economic and strategic cooperation by strengthening the expertise of U.S. exchange alumni to drive locally led solutions in digital technologies and artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan.
This program reinforces long-term partnerships that advance U.S. interests and strengthens bilateral cooperation in high growth sectors across Kazakhstan.
1: Advance Digital Technologies and AI Solutions
Objective 1: Increase the ability of at least 100 entrepreneurs, small business owners, and STEM/IT university students in Kazakhstan to apply digital and AI tools to local economic or community challenges, resulting in:
At least five alumni-led projects adopt U.S. based digital platform, AI and e-commerce models into their business or project operations launched by the end of the program
At least 50 percent of participants adopt or pilot U.S.-based digital platforms or AI tools
At least 60 percent of participants report preference for U.S. technology partners in future business decisions
At least 25 percent of participants report initiating partnership discussions with U.S. companies during or within six months of the program.
For this objective, projects must target at least one of the following audiences:
- Entrepreneurs, tech startups, and small business owners who can implement AI or digital solutions
- University students and early-career professionals in STEM/IT fields
- Local organizations or NGOs capable of scaling digital innovation within communities
2: Demonstrate U.S. Innovation and Best Practices
Objective 2: Increase the ability of at least 70 emerging community leaders, students, and professionals in Kazakhstan to apply American innovation and leadership practices by partnering with American innovators or harnessing American innovations to solve real world problems and advance mutual interests, resulting in:
At least 75 percent of participants who report improved perceptions of U.S. as a source of innovation, leadership, and effective problem solving by the end of the program.
At least 75 percent of participants who demonstrate the ability to apply a U.S.-based innovation, leadership practice, or solution to a real-world professional challenge in Kazakhstan, as measured by a standardized rubric
For this objective, projects must target at least one of the following audiences:
- Emerging community leaders and local change-makers who can replicate U.S.-inspired methods
- Students or professionals in leadership, entrepreneurship, or civic engagement roles
- Small or medium-sized enterprises or nonprofit organizations that could benefit directly from the application of U.S.-inspired practices
Background
The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan announces an open competition for past participants of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs to apply for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). The goal of this grant is to strengthen U.S.-Kazakhstan partnerships through alumni-led innovation, focusing on digital technologies and artificial intelligence solutions to promote economic growth and deepen long-term cooperation between the two nations. Projects must celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States (Freedom250) and reflect shared commitments to innovation and open exchange of ideas.
Grant Details
Projects should engage local communities, foster alumni leadership, and deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes over a 3–12-month implementation period during 2026. The program aims to expand U.S.-Kazakhstan economic and strategic cooperation by strengthening the expertise of U.S. exchange alumni in driving locally led solutions in digital technologies and AI. Specific objectives include:
1) Increasing the ability of at least 100 entrepreneurs, small business owners, and STEM/IT university students in Kazakhstan to apply digital tools, resulting in at least five alumni-led projects adopting U.S.-based models;
2) Increasing the ability of at least 70 emerging community leaders to apply American innovation practices, with at least 75% reporting improved perceptions of the U.S. as a source of innovation.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program. Project teams must consist of at least two eligible alumni. U.S. citizen alumni may not submit proposals but can participate as team members. Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or their associations; other organizations are not eligible.
Period of Performance
The performance period for projects is expected to last between 3 to 12 months during the year 2026.
Grant Value
Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000, with three awards anticipated depending on available funding.
Place of Performance
The projects must take place in Kazakhstan.
