The challenges of improving Internet growth are multifaceted and interrelated, particularly in developing countries. They include, for example, access to technical skills and knowledge, the diffusion and reliability of infrastructures and services, an enabling business and policy environment for information and telecommunications, as well as unique local economic and social challenges.

Meeting and overcoming these challenges requires innovative solutions and the involvement of local actors, who are best placed to understand their needs and requirements.

The ISIF Asia Program, which provides small grants, was developed to help advance local and regional projects aimed introducing, improving, and applying Internet technology for the benefit of Asia-Pacific users and communities.

The details of the projects, outcomes and learning will be made publicly available. By spreading the methods and results generated by these projects, communities around the region and the world facing similar Internet access and usability challenges will have an opportunity to learn from Asia-Pacific experiences.

Launched in 2008, ISIF is a partnership between the Canadian International Development Research Centre, the Internet Society, and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre with generous support from the DotAsia Organisation.

ISIF builds on lessons learned from the “ICT R&D Grants Programme for Asia and the Pacific" which operated from 2001 – 2005 and was supported by IDRC, APNIC and ISOC among other participants.

The ISIF program was launched during 2008 and received 148 proposals from 22 economies. 11 projects were selected for funding and started their activities in February 2009.

The second call for applications closed on 31 July 2009 and received 207 applications from 24 economies. The proposals are been evaluated according to the timeline approved by the Steering Committee.