Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026
Up to ₹4.15 lakh mini-grant for student-led projects in open payments and digital financial inclusion at universities worldwide.
- Funding amount
- ₹4.2L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Interledger Foundation (Foundation)
- Application deadline
- 1 Aug 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program, run by the Interledger Foundation, is a global initiative that funds student-led university clubs and groups working on open payments and digital financial inclusion. The program aims to spread awareness of the Interledger Protocol (ILP) and interoperable payment systems among future innovators. Student organizations can design workshops, hackathons, webinars, campus campaigns, or even build payment-technology prototypes. The grants are non-dilutive, meaning they require no equity or repayment. Projects are expected to be implemented within about three months, giving students a hands-on opportunity to apply their learning and contribute to a more accessible financial ecosystem.
Highlights
- Up to ₹4.15 lakh mini-grant
- For university student organizations worldwide
- Focus on open payments & financial inclusion
- Projects implemented within 3 months
- No equity taken
- Support from faculty advisor required
Who can apply
Only student-led organizations—clubs or groups—affiliated with an accredited university anywhere in the world are eligible. Both newly formed and existing groups may apply, but they must have a formal endorsement from a faculty advisor or university administrator. The program is not open to registered startups, companies, or individuals applying independently. Indian student groups at accredited Indian universities are welcome to apply.
Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Applications for Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 are open and the current deadline is 1 Aug 2026. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
- Grants of up to ₹4.15 lakh (approximately US$5,000) per project.
- Non-dilutive funding—no equity or repayment is required.
- Access to a global network of innovators and experts in open payments.
- Experiential learning through real-world project implementation.
- Projects may include workshops, hackathons, webinars, awareness campaigns, or prototype development.
- Typical project implementation period of about three months.
About the provider
Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 is offered by Interledger Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by Interledger Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee from the Interledger Foundation and its partners. They evaluate each proposal based on:
- Alignment with program objectives (open payments, digital financial inclusion, Interledger Protocol).
- Potential impact on student learning and community engagement.
- Feasibility of the implementation plan within the given timeline.
- Clarity and innovation of proposed activities. Projects showing strong understanding of ILP and a clear strategy for promoting financial inclusion are highly regarded. The process likely involves an initial screening of all applications, followed by a more detailed assessment of shortlisted proposals.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹4.2L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program?
It is a global initiative by the Interledger Foundation that provides financial support and resources to student-led university groups. The goal is to encourage projects related to open payments and digital financial inclusion using the Interledger Protocol, such as workshops, hackathons, or prototype development.
Who can apply for this mini-grant?
Only student-led organizations—clubs or groups—at accredited universities worldwide are eligible. Both new and established groups can apply, but they must have a faculty advisor or university administrator backing them. Registered startups, companies, and individual applicants are not eligible.
What types of projects are funded?
The program supports a wide range of projects focused on open payments and digital financial inclusion using ILP, including workshops, hackathons, webinars, campus awareness campaigns, and development of payment-technology prototypes.
How much funding is offered and is it dilutive?
Grants of up to ₹4.15 lakh (approximately US$5,000) per project are offered. This is non-dilutive funding—the program does not take any equity or require repayment.
What is the application deadline and project completion timeline?
The deadline for the 2026 program is 31 July 2026, 23:59 ET (which is 1 August 2026, 09:29 IST). Projects must be implemented within about three months and completed by 31 December 2026.
Can student groups from Indian universities apply?
Yes, the program is open globally and there is no restriction on Indian universities. Student groups at accredited Indian universities are fully eligible to apply.
What documents are needed for the application?
You need to prepare a project proposal outlining objectives, activities, timeline, budget, and how it aligns with open payments and financial inclusion using ILP. Additionally, you must have an endorsement from a faculty advisor or university administrator.
How do I apply for the program?
Visit the official application portal at https://submit.interledger.org/submit/351572/2026-interledger-on-campus-education-mini-grant, prepare your proposal, ensure faculty support, and submit your application before the deadline.
Does the program provide mentorship or networking?
Yes, besides cash funding, the program offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and training workshops to help student groups succeed in their projects.
What is the Interledger Protocol (ILP)?
The Interledger Protocol is an open standard for connecting different payment systems and enabling interoperable payments. The program focuses on building awareness and applications around ILP for financial inclusion.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026?
Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 is offered by Interledger Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026
Not sure Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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