This initiative, powered by the Interledger Foundation, is designed to promote open payments, financial technology innovation, and digital financial inclusion on university campuses.

If you’re a student leader passionate about fintech, blockchain, or inclusive financial systems, this is a major opportunity to build impactful projects and gain global recognition.

Overview of the Interledger on Campus Mini Grant 2026

About the Interledger on Campus Program

The Interledger on Campus (IoC) initiative is a global program that empowers students to explore and promote interoperable payment systems and equitable financial technologies.

At its core, the program is built around the concept of open financial infrastructure, including technologies like the Interledger Protocol (ILP)—a system that enables seamless transactions across different payment networks.

Through this mini-grant, student groups can:

• Lead innovative fintech projects
• Build campus communities around open payments
• Raise awareness about financial inclusion
• Experiment with emerging financial technologies

What You Will Gain

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Funding of up to $5,000 to execute projects
• Opportunity to contribute to global financial inclusion efforts
• Hands-on experience in fintech innovation and open payments
• Networking with a global community of developers and researchers
• Recognition from a leading organization in open finance

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to:

• Student-led organisations at accredited universities worldwide
• Both:
  • Existing student clubs
  • Newly formed student groups

Important Conditions:

• Projects must be initiated and led by students
• A faculty advisor or university administrator must support the project
• Teams should demonstrate the capacity to execute within 3 months

Eligible Project Activities

Funding can support a wide range of student-led initiatives, including:

1. Workshops and Training

• Organize sessions on open payments systems
• Teach concepts like digital wallets, APIs, and payment protocols

2. Hackathons and Innovation Challenges

• Build solutions using Interledger Protocol
• Encourage student developers to solve real-world financial problems

3. Research and Publications

• Conduct research on financial inclusion policies
• Publish reports, whitepapers, or case studies

4. Awareness Campaigns

• Promote financial literacy and inclusion
• Engage local communities and campus stakeholders

5. Technology Prototypes

• Develop small fintech tools or payment solutions
• Test interoperability between systems

Application Requirements

To apply, student organizations must prepare:

• A detailed project proposal outlining:
  • Objectives
  • Activities
  • Expected impact
  • Timeline
• Team structure and leadership roles
• Confirmation of faculty advisor or institutional support

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the official resource materials before applying to ensure alignment with program goals.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official Interledger Foundation platform:

Applicants will submit a short application that includes:

• A completed application form via Submittable.
• A 2-page concept note
• A budget and timeline document, outlining key milestones
• An institutional letter of support from an accredited higher education institution confirming fund management and oversight.

For more details, visit https://interledger.org/grant/education/on-campus

For inquiries, contact: programteam@interledger.org

Application Deadline

• Deadline: July 31, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
• Note: This corresponds to early morning August 1 in some regions (e.g., Africa)

Late applications will not be accepted, so ensure timely submission.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the Interledger on Campus Mini Grant?

Student-led organizations at accredited universities worldwide are eligible.

2. Can new student groups apply?

Yes, both existing and newly formed groups can apply.

3. How much funding is available?

Up to $5,000 USD per selected project.

4. What kind of projects are supported?

Projects focused on open payments, fintech innovation, and financial inclusion.

5. Is a faculty advisor required?

Yes, each project must have institutional support from a faculty advisor or administrator.

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