Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The ISIF Asia 2026 grants program, supported by the APNIC Foundation, invites organisations across the Asia Pacific to submit concept notes for innovative, scalable digital solutions. Focus areas include Internet access, digital infrastructure, IPv6 deployment, digital health, energy efficiency, and disaster risk mitigation, with funding available from USD 20,000 to USD 75,000 to support proof-of-concept, pilot projects, and operational research.
About ISIF Asia
The Internet Society Innovation Fund (ISIF Asia) is a flagship grant program managed by the APNIC Foundation. It aims to strengthen digital inclusion, Internet infrastructure, and socio-economic development through technology-driven solutions.
The program supports organisations that:
- Develop working digital systems, pilot projects, and scalable prototypes
- Address real-world connectivity and digital inclusion challenges
- Produce measurable outcomes that improve Internet reliability, access, and usability
Focus Areas
- Internet Access and Infrastructure: Proof-of-concept, operational research, IPv6 deployment, and network expansion
- Digital Services and Inclusion: Digital health, essential services, community digital skills, and socio-economic empowerment
- Environment and Sustainability: Energy efficiency, climate-friendly technologies, and disaster risk mitigation
- Open and Interoperable Systems: Open-source development, scalable solutions, and interoperable infrastructure
Funding Details
ISIF Asia 2026 provides three grant categories to support projects at different stages:
- Small Grant – USD 20,000
- Suitable for proof-of-concept or pilot projects
- Ideal for early-stage innovations that demonstrate feasibility
- Medium Grant – USD 50,000
- Supports operational research or regional implementation
- Enables projects to scale and refine technical solutions
- Large Grant – USD 75,000
- Designed for scalable solutions with high-impact potential
- Supports full implementation, replication, and broader regional adoption
Funding can be used for:
- Project implementation and operational research
- Technical infrastructure development
- Community capacity-building and training
- Development of open-source and interoperable systems
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Technical organisations, NGOs, and grassroots groups
- Academic institutions conducting applied research
- Government agencies proposing locally implementable solutions
- Collaborative partnerships across technical, academic, government, and community sectors
Projects must demonstrate:
- Feasibility and scalability
- Practical outcomes and measurable impact
- Contribution to digital ecosystem strengthening and skill development
How to Apply
- Prepare Concept Note: Outline objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
- Select Funding Tier: Align project scope with USD 20,000, 50,000, or 75,000 category
- Submit Application: Follow instructions on the ISIF Asia online portal
- Evaluation: Projects are assessed based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and scalability
- Collaborate: Encourage partnerships across sectors to maximize impact
Benefits of Participation
- Access APNIC Foundation-backed funding to scale digital innovations
- Contribute to enhanced Internet access, infrastructure, and digital services
- Strengthen technical and community capacity in the Asia Pacific
- Promote open-source, interoperable solutions for long-term digital inclusion
- Participate in a regional innovation ecosystem
FAQs
1. Who can apply for ISIF Asia 2026 funding?
Technical organisations, NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies, and collaborative partnerships in the Asia Pacific.
2. What funding amounts are available?
Three tiers:
- USD 20,000 – Small grant for pilot projects
- USD 50,000 – Medium grant for operational research or regional implementation
- USD 75,000 – Large grant for scalable solutions
3. What types of projects are supported?
Proof-of-concept, operational research, scalable pilot projects, IPv6 deployment, digital health, energy efficiency, disaster risk mitigation, and open-source solutions.
4. Can projects address climate and environmental challenges?
Yes, solutions promoting energy efficiency, climate resilience, and disaster risk mitigation are encouraged.
5. Is collaboration required?
Not mandatory, but cross-sector collaboration is strongly encouraged for higher impact and sustainability.
6. How are projects evaluated?
Based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, measurable impact, and contribution to digital inclusion.
7. What is the goal of ISIF Asia?
To strengthen Internet access, digital infrastructure, and socio-economic development through locally relevant, innovative, and scalable technology solutions.
Conclusion
ISIF Asia 2026 empowers organisations across the Asia Pacific to deliver innovative, scalable digital solutions that enhance Internet access, digital inclusion, and socio-economic outcomes. By supporting proof-of-concept initiatives, operational research, and scalable pilots, the program fosters technical capacity, community engagement, and sustainable regional digital ecosystems.
For more information, visit APNIC Foundation.
