Call for Proposal2026-10-08T16:26:23+00:00

Call for Proposal

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About the Programme

Building a regional network of DPI expertise

Digital Public Infrastructure – including digital identity, data exchange, digital payments, digital wallets, credentials, and related open-source technologies — is increasingly shaping how governments deliver services to citizens.

Countries across the Asia-Pacific region are at different stages of DPI adoption. While many countries have made significant progress in establishing national identification systems, challenges remain in translating these systems into accessible, interoperable, affordable, and inclusive digital services.

Grant at a glance

Program Advancing Open Source Digital Public Infrastructure in Asia Pacific
Funded By Gates Foundation
Managed By Asian Institute of Technology
Grant Amount USD 100,000 Per University
Opens October 15, 2026
Deadline November 30, 5:00 PM ICT

The AIT DPI University Grant Programme, funded by the Gates Foundation, brings universities into this ecosystem as research, capacity-building, and knowledge partners. Selected universities will conduct original research, develop local expertise, support national stakeholders, and connect with a regional academic community coordinated by AIT.

This call aims to strengthen university-led DPI expertise while producing research and practical evidence that can support governments and communities throughout the region.

Universities that join in this call become founding members of the AIT DPI University Network, participating in shared knowledge, regional events and future collaboration through to 2029.

About the Programme

Building a regional network of DPI expertise

Digital Public Infrastructure – including digital identity, data exchange, digital payments, digital wallets, credentials, and related open-source technologies — is increasingly shaping how governments deliver services to citizens.

Countries across the Asia-Pacific region are at different stages of DPI adoption. While many countries have made significant progress in establishing national identification systems, challenges remain in translating these systems into accessible, interoperable, affordable, and inclusive digital services.

The AIT DPI University Grant Programme, funded by the Gates Foundation, brings universities into this ecosystem as research, capacity-building, and knowledge partners. Selected universities will conduct original research, develop local expertise, support national stakeholders, and connect with a regional academic community coordinated by AIT.

This call aims to strengthen university-led DPI expertise while producing research and practical evidence that can support governments and communities throughout the region.

Universities that join in this call become founding members of the AIT DPI University Network, participating in shared knowledge, regional events and future collaboration through to 2029.

Grant at a glance

Program Advancing Open Source Digital Public Infrastructure in Asia Pacific
Funded By Gates Foundation
Managed By Asian Institute of Technology
Grant Amount USD 100,000 Per University
Opens October 15, 2026
Deadline November 30, 5:00 PM ICT

Call Timetable

Call Opens 15 October 2026
Information Sessions 27 – 29 October 2026
Application Deadline 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM ICT (UTC+7)
Shortlisted Applicants Notified 15 December 2026
Interview for Shortlisted Applicants 4 January 2027
Final Selection Announced 10 January 2027

Mandatory Work Components

Every proposal must address three mandatory components. Universities may combine components and propose activities across all three components.

Work Package 1:
Research and Development

Conduct original research, develop prototypes, and produce technical outputs tied to one of the six DPI research tracks below. All outputs must be open-source and openly published.

Proposals must focus on one track. Select the track that best matches your team’s expertise and your country’s DPI context.

6 research tracks available

Component 2:
Capacity Building

Activities to strengthen DPI-related knowledge and capability within the university and, where applicable, in the wider community, appropriate to the country’s current level of development.

Examples: curriculum or course development, training programmes, workshops, etc.

Component 3:
Community and Ecosystem Engagement

Activities that contribute to the development of the wider DPI ecosystem in the country, connecting the university with students, developers, startups, government, and local communities.

Examples: local hackathons, entrepreneurship programmes, community workshops, DPI awareness activities, participation in AIT-organized events, developer training.

Application Package

All applicants should use the official documents provided by AIT.

Call for Proposal Guideline

Full programme information, eligibility requirements, research tracks, evaluation criteria, grant conditions, and application requirements.

Proposal Template

Template for preparation of the research proposal.

Budget Template

Financial template for preparing the proposed budget in USD.

Submit Your Proposal

Applicant Institution

Research Proposal

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Who is eligible to apply?2026-10-06T07:50:50+00:00

Universities located in the 11 eligible countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam—may apply. Applicants must also have relevant technical expertise and an established working relationship with their national identity authority.

How much funding is available?2026-10-06T07:51:13+00:00

Selected partner universities may receive funding of up to USD 100,000. The final amount will be determined by AIT based on the proposed activities, work plan, and budget.

What research areas can universities apply for?2026-10-06T07:51:35+00:00

Applicants can propose work under the programme’s research tracks, including areas such as DPI needs assessment, digital ID establishment, presentation attack datasets, open-source PAD models, verifiable credential use cases, and AI agents for DPI.

What documents are required for submission?2026-10-06T07:51:55+00:00

Applicants must submit a proposal in both PDF and Word (.docx) formats, together with a budget in Excel (.xlsx)format. A Letter of Support from the national ID authority is optional at Stage 1 but required for shortlisted applicants at Stage 2.

What is the application deadline?2026-10-06T07:52:15+00:00

Applications must be submitted by 30 November 2026 at 5:00 PM ICT (UTC+7). The online submission portal will close automatically at the deadline, and late submissions will not be accepted.

For Inquiries

For any inquiries about the Call for Proposals:

AIT Digital Public Infrastructure
Email: ai4dpi@ait.ac.th

dpi@ait.asia
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