APNIC Foundation

Overview

APNIC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the Regional Internet Registry serving the Asia Pacific. The Foundation channels grants and partnerships into projects that strengthen internet infrastructure, governance, security, and access across the region, including India.

What it funds

The Foundation supports work on routing security, IPv6 deployment, network measurement, internet research, digital inclusion, and capacity building for network operators. Funding is typically routed through structured programs such as the Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF Asia) and the Switch! grants, which back applied research, pilots, and community projects rather than commercial products.

Relevance to Indian Founders

Indian teams working on internet measurement, cybersecurity, network operations, open-source infrastructure, or community-led connectivity have historically been eligible to apply to APNIC Foundation programs. Grants are project-based and outcome-focused, with reporting and open-publication expectations, making them more suitable for technical research-led ventures, NGOs, and university spinouts than for consumer startups.

How to Engage

Founders engage by responding to specific calls for proposals on the Foundation's website and by participating in APNIC technical and policy forums. Selection is competitive and tied to clearly defined regional internet development outcomes.