The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) Office of Science and Technology Cooperation (STC) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that foster science, technology, and innovation cooperation in the Balkans.
The OES-led Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative catalyzes science, technology, and innovation (STI) activities that support the Administration’s economic and national security goals. Over the last ten years GIST has engaged more than 27 million innovation community members from over 130 emerging economies, and GIST has mentored over 15,000 startups. These startups have gone on to generate more than $250 million in revenue and over 6,000 jobs while creating business relationships with American companies like Coca-Cola, Expedia, and Amazon Web Services. Projects include in country trainings of startups, interactive online programs, online mentorship platforms, and global pitch competitions. For more information about the GIST initiative and all its programming, please refer to GISTNetwork.org.
This cooperative agreement will include startup training and support for Innovation Hubs (IHubs) in the priority countries of Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The proposed activities are designed to leverage STI for economic growth and deepen connections to the U.S. business community. STI is globally recognized as a driver that generates economic capacity, leading to economic growth, stronger domestic and regional stability, and resilience.
Primary organizations can submit one application in response to the NOFO. Interested applicants from within Duke should contact dukeiln@duke.edu as early as possible.
Deadline: June 6, 2022
OES welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; and private, public, or state institutions of higher education.