Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program 2026
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Quick Answer
Supports student-led innovation, learning, and community engagement focused on open payments and digital financial inclusion through mini-grants for university student organizations worldwide.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Interledger Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 1 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Interledger Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program is a global initiative by the Interledger Foundation aimed at fostering student-led innovation in the critical areas of open payments and digital financial inclusion. This program provides essential financial support and resources to student organizations at accredited universities worldwide, empowering them to explore and build upon the Interledger Protocol (ILP).
The core purpose of IoC is to expand awareness and understanding of interoperable payment systems and equitable financial technologies among the next generation of innovators. By enabling student groups to design and implement various projects—such as interactive workshops, intensive hackathons, insightful webinars, and campus-wide awareness campaigns—the program directly contributes to a more open, inclusive, and accessible global financial ecosystem. Projects may also include developing payment-technology prototypes that demonstrate the potential of ILP in real-world applications. This initiative is crucial for nurturing talent and driving practical applications in the burgeoning field of decentralized finance and open payment standards.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Interledger Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation incorporated in California and founded in 2020. It stewards the Interledger Protocol and Open Payments, builds and maintains Rafiki, and funds work on open, interoperable financial systems through…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program offers grants of up to ₹4.15 lakh (approximately US$5,000) per approved project. This non-dilutive funding is specifically designed to empower student organizations to execute innovative projects centered on the Interledger Protocol, open payments, and digital financial inclusion. Beyond direct financial support, successful applicants gain access to a global network of fellow innovators and experts in the open payments space, fostering invaluable networking and learning opportunities. The program encourages experiential learning through project implementation, providing a unique platform for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and contribute to a more equitable financial future. Projects may include organizing workshops, hackathons, webinars, or developing technology prototypes, all within an approximate 3-month implementation period.
- Duration
- 3 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the Interledger on Campus Mini-Grant Program are rigorously reviewed by a selection committee composed of representatives from the Interledger Foundation and its partners. The evaluation process focuses on the project's alignment with the program's objectives, its potential impact on student learning and community engagement, the feasibility of its implementation plan within the given timeline, and the clarity and innovation of the proposed activities. Projects demonstrating a strong understanding of the Interledger Protocol and a clear strategy for promoting financial inclusion and open payments are highly regarded. While not explicitly stated, it is common for such programs to involve an initial screening of applications followed by a more detailed assessment of shortlisted proposals.
Application Process
- 1
Prepare Proposal
Develop a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, activities, budget, and alignment with program themes, securing faculty/administrator support.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program?
The IoC Mini-Grant Program provides financial support and resources to student-led organizations at accredited universities globally. Its goal is to foster innovation, learning, and community engagement around open payments, digital financial inclusion, and the Interledger Protocol through various projects like workshops, hackathons, and prototypes.
Who is eligible to apply for this mini-grant?
Only student-led organizations (clubs or groups) at accredited universities worldwide are eligible. This includes both established and newly formed groups, provided they have the support of a faculty advisor or university administrator. The program is not open to registered companies, startups, or individual applicants.
What kind of projects does the program support?
The program supports a wide range of student-led projects focused on open payments and digital financial inclusion using the Interledger Protocol. Examples include organizing workshops, hackathons, webinars, campus awareness campaigns, or developing payment-technology prototypes.
What is the maximum grant amount a project can receive?
Each approved project can receive a grant of up to US$5,000, which is approximately ₹4.15 lakh. This funding is non-dilutive, meaning no equity is taken from the student organization or its members.
What is the deadline to apply for the 2026 program?
The application deadline for the 2026 program is 31 July 2026, 23:59 ET (which translates to 1 August 2026, 09:29 IST). All projects must be implemented within approximately three months of receiving the grant and completed by 31 December 2026.
Can student groups from Indian universities apply?
Yes, the program is open to student organizations at accredited universities worldwide, and there is no explicit exclusion of Indian universities. Therefore, eligible student groups at Indian universities are encouraged to apply.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
