AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX)

The U.S. Embassy Riyadh Public Diplomacy Section is accepting applications for a cooperative agreement to run the AI Partnership & Exchange for Tech Leaders (APEX) program. This initiative connects rising Saudi AI leaders aged 20 to 30 with American experts in business, tech, and academia. The program helps participants build professional networks, study U.S. technology standards, and create lasting partnerships between American and Saudi institutions. One award will be granted, with funding ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. The selected partner will design and run the program for Saudi nationals who are undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral students, or recent graduates working in AI-related fields like data science, robotics, or machine learning. Participants must speak fluent English and demonstrate strong leadership potential. The program includes three mandatory phases: a preparation phase with a virtual hackathon, a two-week U.S. exchange trip, and a follow-on summit in Saudi Arabia. The partner will also match each participant with a professional mentor for three months of bi-weekly virtual career coaching after the exchange. The U.S. Embassy Riyadh Public Diplomacy Section works to strengthen ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia through cultural, educational, and professional exchange programs. This cooperative agreement is part of broader U.S. efforts to support the development of AI talent in Saudi Arabia and foster collaboration between American and Saudi institutions. The embassy manages public diplomacy initiatives that promote mutual understanding and shared interests between the two countries. Participants will travel to two or three U.S. cities in July 2027, visiting tech hubs and universities, attending networking events, and participating in workshops at a major AI summit. The program is designed for Saudi nationals who are studying or working in AI-related fields and have strong leadership potential. Living costs in the U.S. vary by state, averaging $1,200 to $2,200 per month depending on housing, health insurance, and campus meal plans. F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during academic terms and apply for CPT/OPT for off-campus industry training. The U.S. offers vibrant campus cultures, world-class research infrastructure, and varied regional climates ranging from coastal to continental.