Digital platform

(a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish and maintain a publicly accessible digital platform to facilitate participation by United States entities in activities carried out under the program. (b) Purpose The platform shall— (1) serve as a centralized clearinghouse of opportunities for participation in the program, including solicitations, funding opportunities, pilot projects, and collaborative research initiatives; (2) provide a list of priority capability gaps, technical challenges, and needs identified under paragraph (1); (3) enable United States entities, including early-stage companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, venture-backed firms, research institutions, and consortia, to identify, apply for, and propose participation in such opportunities for participation; and (4) support the submission of both solicited and unsolicited project proposals on a rolling basis. (c) Startup and emerging technology engagement In carrying out this section, the Secretary should— (1) ensure that early-stage and venture-backed companies are actively considered for participation in partnerships and funding opportunities; (2) develop mechanisms, as appropriate, to facilitate matchmaking between United States entities and partner country stakeholders, including industry, research institutions, and government entities; (3) coordinate, as appropriate, with private sector investors, accelerators, and innovation hubs to increase awareness of opportunities under the program; and (4) as appropriate, consult with— (A) the Foreign and Commercial Service; (B) the United States Trade and Development Agency; and (C) the Deal Team Initiative.