Hi NZNOG Community, _______________________________________________________________________ ISIF Grant Program Invites Applicants _______________________________________________________________________ Applications for the Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) 2010 grant round are now open. Launched in 2008, the ISIF grant program aims to stimulate creative solutions to ICT development needs in the Asia Pacific region. The program provides grants of up to AUD 40,000 per project that help advance local and regional initiatives that introduce, improve, and apply Internet and other digital communications technologies for the benefit of Asia-Pacific users and communities. This year’s round of funding will benefit about 8 to 10 projects. ISIF is a joint initiative between the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Internet Society (ISOC), and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). It is proudly sponsored by the DotAsia Organization, the registry operator for the .ASIA top-level domain. The overwhelming success of the first round of applications reflects the importance of technological innovation in today's challenging market circumstances, especially for developing economies. Karen Rose, ISOC Director of Education and Programmes stated: "We received many strong proposals from a diverse pool of applicants in the inaugural year of the ISIF program. We hope to have similar success this year, and strongly encourage new applicants to submit proposals for ISIF funding, as well as revised submissions from applicants that were unsuccessful last year." Project proposals from Asia Pacific-based public or private sector organizations, university, or research and development institutions and non-government organizations will be considered. Applications must be aligned with ISIF program objectives, selection criteria, and administrative guidelines. For example, project results must be shared as stated in the ISIF copyright and license scheme. Individuals are not eligible for grants. "The ISIF grants program is a great opportunity for innovation in the Asia Pacific. We hope that with the global Internet community facing the prospect of IPv4 depletion in the next few years, some 2010 grant applications will feature projects that assist the adoption of IPv6 in the region," said Paul Wilson, Director General of APNIC. Applications for the 2010 grant round closes on 31 July 2009. Grants will be made on a competitive basis and successful applicants will be required to make project details, outcomes, and findings publicly available. Complete information on the project and how to apply is available on the ISIF website at www.isif.asia. For more information: Sylvia Cadena | ISIF Program Officer | info(a)isif.asia | http://www.isif.asia