ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026
Funding for projects enhancing digital inclusion and internet access across Asia Pacific.
- Funding amount
- ₹18L – ₹67.5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- APNIC Foundation (NGO/Foundation)
- Application deadline
- Closed (24 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026 are managed by the APNIC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the APNIC Internet Registry. The foundation aims to foster a stable, secure, and accessible internet across the Asia Pacific region by backing innovative projects that enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and access to digital services.
Grants range from ₹18,00,000 to ₹67,50,000 (USD 20,000 to USD 75,000), supporting projects from proof-of-concept to scalable solutions. Priority areas include IPv6 deployment, digital health, energy efficiency, disaster risk mitigation, and open-source systems.
The program seeks to generate socio-economic impact by funding solutions that improve internet reliability, promote open technologies, and empower local communities. Eligible applicants include technical organisations, NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies, and grassroots groups. Projects must be implemented within the Asia Pacific region and demonstrate feasibility, scalability, and measurable outcomes.
Highlights
- Grants of ₹18L – ₹67.5L (USD 20K – USD 75K) for digital inclusion projects.
- Open to technical organisations, NGOs, academia, government, and grassroots groups.
- Focus areas: IPv6, digital health, energy efficiency, disaster risk mitigation, open-source.
- Projects must be implemented in the Asia Pacific region.
- Application deadline: 24 April 2026.
- Apply via official ISIF Asia portal: https://apnicfoundation.fluxx.io/
Who can apply
Eligible applicants must represent technical organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, government agencies, or grassroots groups. Projects must be implemented within the Asia Pacific region. Proposed initiatives should clearly demonstrate feasibility, scalability, and the potential for measurable outcomes in enhancing Internet access or digital inclusion. Collaboration between different sectors is highly encouraged to amplify impact.
ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 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
The most recent application window for ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026 closed on 24 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The program provides financial support of ₹18,00,000 to ₹67,50,000 (USD 20,000 to USD 75,000) for innovative projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and access to crucial digital services across the Asia Pacific region. This funding is designed to back initiatives that stimulate socio-economic progress by enabling the deployment of scalable and sustainable digital solutions.
About the provider
ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026 is offered by APNIC Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by APNIC 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
Projects are evaluated based on their demonstrated feasibility, scalability, and potential for measurable outcomes in enhancing internet access or digital inclusion. Proposals must address real-world challenges and contribute to strengthening digital infrastructure and relevant skills within target communities, aligning with the program's strategic priorities and evaluation criteria.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 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
ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹18L – ₹67.5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants program?
It is a grant program managed by the APNIC Foundation, providing funding for projects that enhance digital inclusion and internet access across the Asia Pacific region.
How much funding can I receive?
The grant amount ranges from ₹18,00,000 to ₹67,50,000 (equivalent to USD 20,000 to USD 75,000).
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for the 2026 grants is 24 April 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include technical organisations, NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies, and grassroots groups. Projects must be implemented within the Asia Pacific region.
What types of projects are prioritised?
Priority areas include IPv6 deployment, digital health, energy efficiency, disaster risk mitigation, and open-source systems.
Does the program take equity in my project?
No, this is a grant program. Grants are non-dilutive and do not require giving up equity.
What is the selection process?
Projects are evaluated on feasibility, scalability, and potential for measurable outcomes in enhancing internet access or digital inclusion. Proposals must align with the program's strategic priorities.
How do I apply?
The application process begins with submitting a comprehensive concept note via the official ISIF Asia portal at https://apnicfoundation.fluxx.io/. You will need to select an appropriate funding tier and provide details on objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.
What documents are required for the application?
The initial step requires a concept note that clearly articulates the project's objectives, the problem it addresses, the proposed methodology, and the anticipated measurable outcomes. Detailed guidelines are available on the application portal.
Can my project be a pilot or proof-of-concept?
Yes, the program supports projects at various stages from initial proof-of-concept and pilot initiatives to more mature, scalable solutions.
Is DPIIT recognition required for ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026?
ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026 is offered by APNIC Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 2026
Not sure ISIF Asia Digital Inclusion Grants 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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