US State Dept launches $200 million 'Edge AI Package' for Indo-Pacific

According to a statement, the US State Department seeks innovative proposals to improve the competitiveness of next-generation smartphones in the Indo-Pacific region

The US Department of State on Thursday announced the launch of ‘Edge AI package’ for the Indo-Pacific region. The Edge AI package includes a competitive process to award up to $200 million in foreign assistance funding to support programs to accelerate the deployment of secure, high-quality, and affordable handheld smartphone devices across the Indo-Pacific region.

According to a statement, the US State Department seeks innovative proposals to improve the competitiveness of next-generation smartphones in the Indo-Pacific region running on trusted operating systems (Android/iOS) through the Edge AI Package. This will ensure that the next billion internet users are integrated into an open, interoperable, and innovation-forward software ecosystem.

This initiative accelerates the Pax Silica vision of a flourishing, interconnected Indo-Pacific by empowering millions with developer tools of AI innovation and entrepreneurship. It also provides a market-based alternative to high-risk vendors, offsetting the price distortions of untrusted providers while promoting a trusted AI software stack -- a critical component of US efforts to ensure that the digital infrastructure of our partners remains secure, autonomous, and free from coercion.

"Interested parties should email EdgeAI@state.gov to request additional information and technical requirements. The submission window will remain open for 90 days. Provision of funding is contingent on the availability of funds and Congressional notification," the statement read.

Pax Silica is a US-led initiative launched in December 2025 to secure the global AI and semiconductor supply chain and reduce dependence on non-aligned nations.

India signed a pact joining the coalition on Friday at a ceremony held at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The member nations of the Pax Silica include Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

US envoy to India Sergio Gor last month announced an invitation to New Delhi to join the strategic alliance.