Quad Multistakeholder Critical and Emerging Technology Program

Background
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary (STAS) announces an open competition for programs that aim to advance economic ties and deepen relationships between technology ecosystems amongst the Quad partners, namely the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. In September 2021, President Biden convened the first Leaders’ Summit of the Quad to discuss initiatives that deepen ties and advance practical cooperation on 21st-century challenges. Similarly, Secretary Antony J. Blinken has participated in Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meetings since 2021. Critical and emerging technologies was prioritized as a key focus area within Quad meetings to help foster an open, accessible, and security technology ecosystem that is shaped by shared democratic values and respect for universal human rights.

Grant Details
The program aims to promote networks of academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to support commercialization of research and development and technology entrepreneurship as well as provide policy recommendations for enhancing the environment for cross-border technology collaboration in ongoing Quad workstreams focused on critical and emerging technology. The program has two project-specific objectives: strengthening founder education and mentor networks that help spur critical and emerging technologies entrepreneurship in Quad countries; obtaining technology policy feedback and prioritization from an expanded network of international academic researchers.
The program should strive to reach gender equity both in terms of participants engaged and providers of technical assistance.

Eligibility Requirements
OES-STAS welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; Private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this grant is 18 months.

Grant Value
$232,000 with an anticipated number of awards being 1-2.