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The Latin American and Caribbean Internet Address Registry (LACNIC) has announced the opening of the 2025 call for proposals for the FRIDA Program, an initiative that supports projects, initiatives, and solutions aimed at strengthening a global, open, stable, and secure Internet in the region. The deadline for proposal submissions is June 29, 2025.

The call is open to projects under four main categories. The first, Internet Stability and Security, focuses on network architecture and operations, traffic engineering and interconnection, cryptography, security and resilience, and the future development of the Internet. This category includes a subcategory for proposals exploring the use and application of blockchain technology to strengthen Internet stability and security.

The second category, Connectivity and Internet Access, supports initiatives that promote improved connectivity, access quality, and strategies to strengthen the role of regional Internet service providers (ISPs).

Under the Open and Free Internet category, projects addressing human rights and digital inclusion challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean will be supported, in line with the principles of openness and freedom in the digital ecosystem.

The fourth category, Artificial Intelligence Applied to the Internet and Networks, is aimed at proposals exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in technical areas such as traffic management, security, resilience, and Internet operations. Projects are encouraged to incorporate an ethical dimension in their design and development. Proposals may include research, case studies, proof-of-concept initiatives, or prototypes that aim to generate concrete and original results.

The FRIDA Program offers two types of support. The grant modality provides up to USD 20,000 in non-reimbursable funding and technical assistance for proposals lasting up to 12 months. The award modality offers a USD 5,000 prize to initiatives with verifiable results, whether ongoing or completed. Projects that have not yet started will not be considered for this modality and should apply under the grant category instead.

FRIDA was created with the support of the Government of Canada and has received backing from various international organizations. It is currently funded, coordinated, and managed by LACNIC.

To introduce the FRIDA 2025 Program and answer questions, LACNIC will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, June 17, at 18:00 UTC.

Interested applicants can find all relevant information and submit their proposals via the official platform: https://programafrida.net/plataforma-frida-postulaciones

RedCLARA is a partner of LACNIC, working together to strengthen digital infrastructure and promote innovation across the region.