Applications are now open for the NextGen@ICANN88 Program, an opportunity for young students interested in Internet governance, the future of the Internet, and the work of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The program is designed to introduce young people to the ICANN community and help them develop the knowledge, connections, and experience needed to participate in global Internet governance discussions.

The NextGen@ICANN program supports students who are not yet actively involved in the ICANN ecosystem but have an interest in contributing to conversations that influence how the global Internet is governed. Selected participants will receive coaching and guidance before and during the ICANN meeting, along with travel support to enable their participation.

The program provides an opportunity to learn about ICANN’s mission and its multistakeholder, bottom-up approach to Internet governance. Participants will also have opportunities to interact with members of the ICANN community, follow discussions on important Internet policy issues, and explore ways to become involved in regional and global Internet governance processes.

To qualify, applicants must be 18 to 30 years old at the time of the ICANN88 meeting and must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student. Applicants must also be living and studying in the region where the respective ICANN meeting is being held. ICANN meetings rotate among five regions: Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia Pacific.

Applicants should have a genuine interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet, or other issues addressed through the ICANN community. Those selected must be available to attend the ICANN88 meeting and participate actively in the required program activities.

As part of the program, selected participants will also be expected to deliver a 5–10 minute presentation during the meeting. The presentation may focus on academic research, a completed or ongoing project, a thesis, an Internet governance-related activity, an ICANN-related website or another project connected to the work of ICANN.

The NextGen@ICANN88 application period runs from 31 August 2026 to 9 October 2026. Students who meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in contributing to the future of Internet governance are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: 9 October 2026.

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