LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is calling for applications for NextGen@ICANN Program participants to attend the ICANN85 Community Forum in Mumbai, India, from March 7–12, 2026, according to the official website of ICANN.

ICANN wants to hear from university students living and studying in the Asia Pacific region who are interested in the future of the Internet and participating in the Public Meeting. If ICANN85 is held virtually, the NextGen@ICANN Program will also be held virtually.

What Is NextGen@ICANN?

The NextGen@ICANN Program provides opportunities for university students to better understand how ICANN contributes to the technical governance of the Internet and the multistakeholder model. Through an immersive program, participants learn about topics such as the Internet ecosystem, Internet governance, and policy development at ICANN. The program also provides insight into how to engage and contribute to the work that supports the stability, resiliency, and reliability of the Internet.

NextGen@ICANN runs in conjunction with ICANN Public Meetings and is geared toward students who are 18–30 years old, living or studying in the region hosting the selected ICANN meeting. Participants are required to attend courses and presentations six weeks before the ICANN Public Meeting. In addition, they are expected to give a 10-minute presentation during the meeting. Experienced mentors support participants throughout the program.

The NextGen application window is open from August 25 to October 3, 2025. Successful candidates will be announced on 10 December 2025 on the ICANN website.