As ICANN continues to prepare for the launch of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round, we remain deeply committed to providing support for prospective gTLD applicants. The Applicant Support Program (ASP) plays a critical role in encouraging global participation in the New gTLD Program by lowering financial costs and offering tailored support to eligible applicants. Our focus continues to be on fostering opportunity through broad global awareness of the ASP and enabling access through comprehensive resources and tools to prepare applicants for the ASP and gTLD application processes.
In the 2012 round of the New gTLD Program, ASP received three applications – just one of which qualified for assistance. This limited participation highlighted the need for more robust capacity development, improved outreach, and more accessible applicant resources.
This time around, with redoubled efforts around outreach and awareness, the response already indicates promising growth. Since launching the program on 19 November 2024, 45 entities have started the ASP application process. The applications reflect a diverse geographic distribution across all ICANN regions. Three entities have advanced to Phase 2, evaluation with the Support Application Review Panel. The application window remains open through 19 November 2025. In the meantime, ICANN is doing what it can to help prospective applicants proceed through the ASP application process in a timely manner.
Facilitating the Completion and Submission of Applications
Recognizing that the first step is to ensure eligible entities complete their applications, ICANN is focusing on Phase 0 – developing applicants' capacity to apply. This includes:
- Readiness materials that guide prospective applicants through the application process and documentation requirements.
- An Applicant Counselor, who is available to offer application system support and to answer questions related to program guidelines, eligibility, and documentation.
- Reminding applicants that they can import their information from the ASP Application System into the new gTLD application system when that application window opens.
- Access to pro bono professionals and mentors, who have volunteered to support applicants. Contact details for 31 providers are now posted on the ASP resources webpage and volunteer profiles will be available on ICANNWiki. (Please note: ICANNWiki is a third-party site, not managed by or affiliated with ICANN).
- ICANN hosted an orientation session on 27 May 2025 to brief volunteers on their roles and to answer their questions before they engage with ASP applicants.
Understanding Challenges to Ensure Future Success
To further inform our efforts, we recently launched an ASP applicant survey to identify potential barriers to completing an application; gauge the likelihood of an applicant submitting an application; and to provide support to those that request it via the Applicant Counselor. Based on this feedback, we plan to produce and record a webinar aimed at supporting applicants by answering commonly asked questions, directing them to helpful resources, and encouraging them to submit their applications early. The webinar will help us raise awareness about new readiness materials and highlight the ability to have outreach materials translated into languages other than the six ICANN languages.
Spotlighting the ASP at Global Events
ICANN also will participate in the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Norway. This event provides another opportunity to raise awareness about the ASP and the Next Round. If you would like to share ideas about other events and venues in which we can increase awareness of the ASP, please contact the Engagement Team at [email protected].
We're encouraged by the level and diversity of interest in the ASP to date and will remain focused on making the Next Round even more inclusive and accessible. Please send your questions and comments to [email protected].