In 2025, about 2.2 billion people remain offline, with 96 percent of them living in low- and middle-income countries. Even among those who are connected, mobile broadband remains unaffordable in roughly 60 percent of these countries. While headline connectivity figures show progress, the underlying quality gap is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
To address these challenges, the Internet Society has launched its Research Grant Program, offering awards of up to US$500,000 per project. The program is designed to support researchers and institutions worldwide in generating practical, open knowledge that can inform public policy, industry decisions, and technology development.
Proposals are expected to tackle critical themes such as inclusive internet access, the environmental impact of digital infrastructure, frameworks for measuring meaningful connectivity, and ensuring a trustworthy internet. These areas highlight structural barriers like income, gender, geography, and digital literacy, as well as emerging concerns around climate resilience, AI-driven ecosystems, and online security.
The program is open globally to individual researchers and organizations, with strong encouragement for applicants from underrepresented groups and the Global Majority. Applications can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of participants.
