ICANN opens applications for NextGen@ICANN Program at ICANN85 in Mumbai
ICANN has opened applications for its NextGen@ICANN Program, inviting Asia Pacific students aged 18–30 to participate in ICANN85 in Mumbai in March 2026. The program offers training, mentorship, and the chance to actively contribute to global internet governance discussions.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has opened applications for its NextGen@ICANN Program, which will take place during the ICANN85 Community Forum in Mumbai, India, from 7–12 March 2026.
What is nextgen@icann?
The NextGen@ICANN Program is designed to introduce university students to internet governance and the role ICANN plays in maintaining the technical stability and coordination of the global internet. ICANN oversees the domain name system (DNS), helping ensure that when users type a web address, they reach the correct destination.
Through this program, participants aged 18–30 from the Asia Pacific region will learn about the multistakeholder model of internet governance, ICANN’s policy development processes, and the wider internet ecosystem. The program combines preparatory courses, mentorship, and direct participation in an ICANN Public Meeting.
How the program works
- Pre-meeting preparation: Students must attend online courses and presentations for six weeks leading up to ICANN85.
- Active participation: During the Mumbai forum, participants will present a 10-minute talk on an internet governance topic of their choice.
- Mentorship: Experienced community members guide students throughout the process.
- Flexibility: If ICANN85 takes place virtually, the NextGen@ICANN Program will also be conducted online.
Application details
- Who can apply: University students aged 18–30 who live or study in the Asia Pacific region.
- Application period: 25 August – 3 October 2025.
- Announcement of selected participants: 10 December 2025 on the ICANN website.
Why it matters
The program gives young people a first-hand experience of global internet policymaking, which is typically dominated by governments, companies, and technical experts. For civil society and youth groups, NextGen is an important entry point into internet governance debates, ensuring that diverse voices and regional perspectives are represented in shaping the future of the internet.
By bringing in students from different backgrounds, ICANN also aims to strengthen inclusivity in discussions about issues such as domain names, online privacy, cybersecurity, and the resilience of the internet’s infrastructure.
