Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Interledger Foundation invites applications for its 2026 Fellowship Program to support innovators, researchers, and educators advancing digital financial access and inclusion worldwide. Fellows receive USD 72,000 in stipend and USD 20,000 project funding for a 12-month program focusing on open payments, interoperability, financial literacy, and ecosystem-building.
The Interledger Fellowship Program supports individuals working to remove barriers to digital financial access and promote inclusive, interoperable financial systems. The program combines research, development, advocacy, and community engagement to tackle real-world challenges in underserved populations.
Programme Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Advance open payment systems and interoperable financial infrastructure.
- Improve digital financial access and financial literacy for underserved communities.
- Build knowledge, capacity, and ecosystems for inclusive finance.
- Conduct research on barriers to financial inclusion and develop practical solutions.
- Strengthen community engagement and networks supporting financial technologies.
- Contribute to policy, technical standards, and advocacy in digital finance.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- USD 72,000 stipend for personal support.
- USD 20,000 project budget for research, advocacy, tools, and community initiatives.
- Structured 12-month program with mentoring, collaboration, and access to the Interledger ecosystem.
Supported Activities
Projects may include:
- Research on financial access barriers, including transaction costs, regulatory constraints, and infrastructure gaps.
- Development of educational resources, workshops, and training programs.
- Advocacy for inclusive policies, open standards, and technical interoperability.
- Creation of innovative financial tools, applications, or infrastructure.
- Community-building, network facilitation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Technical documentation and contributions to open-source projects.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to:
- Researchers, developers, educators, and open-source contributors.
- Policy specialists, digital rights advocates, journalists, creators, and artists.
- Applicants must demonstrate expertise in their field and a commitment to a structured 12-month program.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: Now
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Program Start: September 2026
- Duration: 12 months
- Early submissions are encouraged, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Key Requirements
- Projects must align with Interledger Foundation thematic priorities.
- Fellows must actively participate in the Interledger community through workshops, presentations, and knowledge sharing.
- Commitment to research, development, advocacy, and collaboration is mandatory.
- Fellows retain ownership of their work while contributing to broader ecosystem goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects unrelated to digital financial access or inclusion.
- Lack of a clear project plan or alignment with fellowship objectives.
- Incomplete demonstration of expertise, prior experience, or capacity.
- Not committing to active participation and knowledge-sharing within the Interledger community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Researchers, developers, educators, policy specialists, digital rights advocates, journalists, creators, and artists with expertise in financial inclusion.
2. What funding is provided?
USD 72,000 stipend and USD 20,000 project budget for a 12-month fellowship.
3. What is the application deadline?
June 15, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged.
4. What type of projects are supported?
Projects advancing open payments, interoperability, financial literacy, ecosystem-building, research, advocacy, and innovative tools for underserved populations.
5. Do fellows need to participate in community activities?
Yes. Fellows are expected to engage actively in the Interledger ecosystem, sharing insights and collaborating throughout the 12-month program.
6. Can applicants work individually or in teams?
Both individual and collaborative projects are welcome, provided all participants meet eligibility criteria.
7. What is the expected start date?
September 2026.
Conclusion
The Interledger Fellowship Program 2026 offers a unique opportunity for innovators and practitioners to advance financial inclusion globally. By supporting research, advocacy, and technology development, the program empowers fellows to address systemic barriers, build resilient financial ecosystems, and foster accessible and interoperable digital financial systems for underserved populations worldwide.
For more information, visit Interledger Foundation.