Interledger NextGen Higher Education Grant 2026
Universities can get up to USD $50,000 from the Interledger Foundation for student projects on Open Payments and digital finance. Letters of intent close 14 December 2026.
The Interledger NextGen Higher Education Grant is a 2026 call from the Interledger Foundation. Each selected university or other higher education institution can receive up to USD $50,000 for a project that runs up to 12 months.
The grant pays for projects that let students learn, research, experiment and build with Open Payments and open digital finance. The foundation lists examples such as new or revised courses, student labs and research, hackathons, technical exploration, prototypes, capstones and seminars. A project can combine several of these.
Applicants must be accredited or officially recognized higher education institutions. They need a faculty lead, support from the institution, the capacity to manage the project and a clear link to Open Payments, interoperability or digital financial inclusion. The project should mainly benefit students at tertiary level.
The call has two phases. In Phase 1, institutions send a short application form, a two page letter of intent on official letterhead signed by an authorized representative, and proof of accreditation. Institutions with strong letters are then invited to submit a full proposal in Phase 2. An invitation does not guarantee an award.
Letters of intent are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and Phase 1 closes on 14 December 2026. The foundation says it wants faculty led, student centered projects that move beyond awareness.
Quick answers
Do applicants need to be Interledger experts?
No. The foundation says applicants should show interest in building that knowledge.
Is a full proposal needed at the start?
No. Phase 1 asks only for a short form, a letter of intent and proof of accreditation. A budget and full proposal come later, if invited.