Opportunity Information: Apply for OES OPP 17 001
The Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) opportunity is a U.S. Department of State funding announcement issued by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), specifically through its Office of Science and Technology Cooperation. It is a discretionary Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) designed to support projects that help young innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries turn science- and technology-driven ideas into viable startups. The core purpose is practical capacity building: connecting innovators to networks, strengthening their technical and business skills, providing structured mentoring, and improving pathways to financing so they can develop solutions that respond to real economic and development challenges in their communities.
Funding under this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, which typically means the Department of State expects to have substantial involvement during implementation (for example, coordinating on program direction, milestones, or key activities rather than simply issuing a grant and stepping back). The funded work falls under the “Science and Technology and other Research and Development” activity category, and the program is listed under CFDA number 19.017. The funds cited for these awards come from Fiscal Year 2016 Economic Support Funds (ESF), and the announcement notes that awards are subject to the availability of funds, which is standard language indicating final funding depends on appropriations and release of funds.
In terms of scale and timing, the opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number OES OPP 17 001) had an original application closing date of December 15, 2016, and a creation date of November 4, 2016. The maximum award amount (ceiling) is listed as $2,500,000. While the posting includes a field for “Expected Awards,” the number is not provided in the source data, so applicants would typically infer that the agency may make one or more awards depending on budget, applicant quality, and program design.
Eligibility is geared toward organizations capable of running international entrepreneurship and innovation programming. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (including those that are not institutions of higher education), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and “others” as listed in the announcement. The narrative description further clarifies that eligibility is limited to U.S. nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations under 501(c)(3), foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations. In practice, that means the Department of State is looking for experienced implementing partners that can deliver multi-country or regional activities such as entrepreneur training, mentorship networks, startup acceleration support, and connections to investors or other sources of capital, all aligned with the broader GIST objective of strengthening innovation ecosystems in developing contexts.
Overall, this NOFO is best understood as support for an entrepreneurship enablement program rather than a basic research grant. The emphasis is on building human capital and networks around science and technology innovation, helping promising founders develop and test solutions, and increasing their chances of achieving traction and sustainability through mentorship, skills development, and improved access to financing.Apply for OES OPP 17 001
- The Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.017.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2016-11-04.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-12-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.
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FAQs: Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) - U.S. Department of State (OES)
What is the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) funding opportunity?
GIST is a U.S. Department of State funding announcement issued by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), through its Office of Science and Technology Cooperation. It is a discretionary Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) intended to support projects that help young innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries turn science- and technology-driven ideas into viable startups.
Which U.S. government bureau is issuing this NOFO?
The NOFO is issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), specifically via the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation.
What is the main goal of this program?
The core purpose is practical capacity building for innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs. The program focuses on connecting innovators to networks, strengthening technical and business skills, providing structured mentoring, and improving pathways to financing so participants can develop solutions that address real economic and development challenges in their communities.
Is this a research grant or an entrepreneurship program?
Based on the description, this NOFO is best understood as an entrepreneurship enablement program rather than a basic research grant. The emphasis is on building human capital, mentorship and professional networks, startup support, and improved access to financing for science and technology innovations.
What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?
Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement. This generally means the Department of State expects substantial involvement during implementation, such as coordinating on program direction, milestones, or key activities, rather than awarding funds and remaining hands-off.
What is the activity category for this award?
The funded work is listed under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The program is listed under CFDA number 19.017.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?
The Funding Opportunity Number is OES OPP 17 001.
What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $2,500,000.
How many awards are expected?
The posting includes a field for "Expected Awards," but the number is not provided in the source information. This typically means the agency may make one or more awards depending on available funds, application quality, and the proposed program design.
When was the opportunity created and when did it close?
The creation date is November 4, 2016, and the original application closing date is December 15, 2016.
Where do the funds for this opportunity come from?
The announcement cites Fiscal Year 2016 Economic Support Funds (ESF) as the source of funds for these awards.
Are awards guaranteed once selected?
No. The announcement notes that awards are subject to the availability of funds. This is standard language indicating final funding depends on appropriations and the release of funds.
Who is eligible to apply for this funding opportunity?
Eligibility is oriented toward organizations able to run international entrepreneurship and innovation programming. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (including those that are not institutions of higher education), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and "others" as listed in the announcement.
Does the eligibility language mention foreign organizations?
Yes. The narrative description states that eligibility is limited to U.S. nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations under 501(c)(3), foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations.
What types of organizations is the Department of State looking for as implementing partners?
The description suggests the Department of State is seeking experienced implementing partners capable of delivering multi-country or regional activities, such as entrepreneur training, mentorship networks, startup acceleration support, and connections to investors or other sources of capital, aligned with GIST objectives.
Who are the intended beneficiaries of the funded projects?
The funded projects are intended to benefit young innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those building science- and technology-driven solutions.
What kinds of support or services are projects expected to provide to entrepreneurs?
Based on the program description, supported activities may include structured mentoring, technical and business skills development, connecting innovators to networks, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and improving pathways to financing so startups can build traction and sustainability.
What kind of challenges should the supported innovations address?
The program emphasizes solutions that respond to real economic and development challenges in participants' communities.
Does this NOFO focus on one country or multiple countries?
The description indicates an emphasis on multi-country or regional activities in low- and middle-income countries, suggesting the program is designed for cross-border or broader ecosystem approaches rather than a single-country-only model.
What does "discretionary NOFO" mean in this context?
The NOFO is described as discretionary, meaning it is a competitive funding opportunity where the agency has discretion in selecting awards based on program priorities, available funding, and the quality and fit of proposals.
What is the overall theme of the GIST program as described here?
The overall theme is building capacity and opportunity for science and technology entrepreneurship by developing skills, mentorship, networks, and access to financing, with the end goal of helping early-stage ventures become viable startups and strengthening innovation ecosystems in developing contexts.
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| Office of Naval Research (ONR) Additive Manufacturing Alloys for Naval Environments (AMANE) Apply for N00014 17 S F003 Funding Number: N00014 17 S F003 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Precision Measurement Grant Program (PMGP) Apply for 2017 NIST PMGP 01 Funding Number: 2017 NIST PMGP 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Electronic Warfare Technology Apply for N00014 17 S B008 Funding Number: N00014 17 S B008 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Diverse Collegiate Research and Development Collaboration Program Apply for FOA AFRL RQKP 2017 0001 Funding Number: FOA AFRL RQKP 2017 0001 Agency: Air Force -- Research Lab Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Large Mission Concept, Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared (LUVOIR) Systems Studies Apply for NNG16401001C Funding Number: NNG16401001C Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Office of Naval Research (ONR) Immersive Sciences for Training, Education, Mission Rehearsal, and Operations Apply for N00014 17 S F007 Funding Number: N00014 17 S F007 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2017 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Apply for 2017 NIST SBIR 01 Funding Number: 2017 NIST SBIR 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Advanced Drop-In Biofuels Production Project (ADBPP) Biofuels 2 Apply for FOA AFRL RQKM 2017 0006 Funding Number: FOA AFRL RQKM 2017 0006 Agency: Air Force -- Research Lab Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIST Standards Services Curricula Development (SSCD) Cooperative Agreement Program Apply for 2017 NIST SSCD 01 Funding Number: 2017 NIST SSCD 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) FY2017 - 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Large Mission Concept, Origins Space Telescope (OST) System Studies Apply for NNG17470002C Funding Number: NNG17470002C Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Dual Use Technology Development at NASA John C. Stennis Space Center Apply for NNS17ZDA001C Funding Number: NNS17ZDA001C Agency: NASA Stennis Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| FY17 Supplemental for Short Line Safety Institute Program Development and Implementation Apply for FR RRD 17 001 Funding Number: FR RRD 17 001 Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $989,921 |
| FY 2017 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program – Phase II Apply for 2017 NIST SBIR 02 Funding Number: 2017 NIST SBIR 02 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Award Apply for BOR LC 17 N001 Funding Number: BOR LC 17 N001 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $321,000 |
| Distributed and Collaborative Intelligent Systems and Technology (DCIST) Collaborative Research Alliance (CRA) Apply for W911NF 17 S 0004 Funding Number: W911NF 17 S 0004 Agency: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $90,000,000 |
| NASA Astrobiology Institute - Cycle 8 Apply for NNH17ZDA003C Funding Number: NNH17ZDA003C Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Comprehensive Grant Program Apply for 2017 NIST NCNR 01 Funding Number: 2017 NIST NCNR 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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