2026 U.S. Speaker Program
Funds an organization to run U.S. speaker and specialist public diplomacy programming in India, including in-country and virtual engagements for Indian audiences on security, technology, energy, and innovation topics.
RESTRICTED TO: NONPROFITS · STATE LOCAL GOV
⚑ Public diplomacy speaker/specialist program in India; activities are outreach and engagement, not research. · Allows public and private educational institutions, but universities would compete as program implementers rather than as research performers. · Cooperative agreement; 8-10 in-country speaker programs plus 10 virtual engagements.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 50 partial | technical depth: substantial; funds training education (capped) |
| IPPRA | 40 partial | portfolio topics: national_security_defense, cybersecurity, energy; signature methods: community engaged; social/behavioral work is minor; funds training education, not research (capped); capped at 40 (non-research funding) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 10 none | deep-tech content; no commercialization signal |
Description
The Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi announces an opportunity to implement the U.S. Speaker and Specialist Program in India. The program will advance U.S. strategic, economic, and security interests by connecting American experts with priority Indian audiences and highlighting U.S. leadership in areas critical to security, innovation, technological competitiveness, and economic growth.
Through this program, U.S. subject matter experts will engage Indian audiences on priority issues, including regional security and deterrence; maritime security; cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure; emerging technologies; strategic competition; energy security; and innovation driven economic growth. Program activities will include eight to ten (8 to 10) in country speaker programs across India and ten (10) virtual engagements.
Target audiences include established and emerging professionals from leading think tanks and research institutions; technology and innovation leaders; industry stakeholders and business leaders involved in trade, investment, and supply chains; and other professionals positioned to influence policy, technology, security, and economic decisions relevant to U.S. interests.
Eligibility
1. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations . 2. Public and private educational institutions. 3. Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions.
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