The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has announced an open competition for a cooperative agreement to organize a regional workshop and related virtual engagements focused on critical and emerging technologies. This initiative is part of the 2026 Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Network program.
According to the announcement, "Launched following the 2023 Camp David Trilateral Leaders’ Summit and the 2024 U.S.–ROK–Japan Trilateral Global Leadership Youth Summit, YTL aims to build a strong network of trilateral youth champions from the United States, Republic of Korea, and Japan who work across borders to tackle some of the Indo-Pacific’s biggest security, economic, and civic engagement challenges."
For the 2026 program year, the central activity will be a regional workshop that brings together Korean and Japanese youth with American peer experts. The goal is to collaborate on key issues related to critical and emerging technologies. The embassy stated that "The workshop will highlight American innovation and excellence in technology, while fostering collaboration to address the Indo-Pacific region’s most pressing security and economic challenges. Participants will explore how cutting-edge U.S. technologies and expertise can be leveraged to strengthen regional security, enhance economic resilience, and promote shared prosperity."
The total funding available for this opportunity is $75,000 through FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds. Applications must be submitted by September 2, 2025.
More details about program objectives and requirements are available in Section C: Program Description of the full NOFO document. Inquiries can be directed via email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov.