FRIDA: Funding Projects to Strengthen the Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean

April 1, 2020

FRIDA, LACNIC's regional fund for strengthening the Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean, announces its 2020 call for proposals in its search to fund innovative projects that promote Internet stability, security and openness in the region.

Starting this year, FRIDA will finance projects in three categories: Internet Stability and Security, Open and Free Internet, and Internet Access.

Applications will be accepted until 22 May. Three projects will be selected as the winners of this year's awards and will each receive a prize of US$ 10,000 plus a full fellowship to attend LACNIC 34 (one per category). Likewise, approximately eight projects to be executed within a period of 12 months will receive grants consisting of US$ 10,000 to US$ 40,000. All in all, the project plans to award US$ 170,000 to fund projects that will contribute to create an open, stable and secure Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the Stability and Security category, LACNIC will support initiatives that favor Internet stability and security and strengthen user trust. This category will focus on four basic topics: cybersecurity, resilience, interconnection, and innovation in network operation.

The line of funding for the Free and Open Internet category will support initiatives to protect the free and open nature of the Internet and defend the digital rights of vulnerable populations in Latin America and the Caribbean. The winning projects will address online freedom of expression, privacy and data protection, and digital rights and diversity.

Under the Internet Access category, FRIDA seeks to support innovative projects to increase Internet access for populations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Funds will be provided to projects addressing four different topics: alternative access models, interconnection, technologies for connectivity, and energy to power connectivity.

Terms and Conditions. The application process will be divided into two stages. In the first stage, applicants will have time until 22 May to submit a summary of their project. Only shortlisted projects will move on to the second stage of the process, during which the submission of a detailed proposal will be required.

A panel of experienced Latin American and Caribbean professionals will be responsible for selecting the winning projects: Carolina Aguerre, Amparo Arango, María Paz Canales, Antonio Moreiras, Arturo Servin and Erika Vega. The final results will be announced on 17 August 2020 on FRIDA's website and social media.