OpportunityTitle: Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative in the Balkans
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: 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.   Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process.  Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards.  Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.  The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.  Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.
Description: The OES-led Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative catalyzes science, technology, and innovation (STI) activities that support the Administration&#8217;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.
GrantorContactText: TaylorDJ@state.gov