Deadline: Unspecified
The Comcast Innovation Fund 2026 Grant Year is now open to support cutting-edge research, open-source development, and innovative technical solutions that advance Internet connectivity, broadband performance, and next-generation networking technologies. The Comcast Innovation Fund 2026 Grant Year is designed to empower technologists, researchers, academics, and organisations globally who are working on impactful, practical, and forward-looking projects in the Internet ecosystem.
This funding opportunity is highly competitive and focuses on research and development that can deliver real-world improvements in networking, connectivity, performance, security, and emerging technologies.
Overview of the Comcast Innovation Fund 2026 Grant Year
The Comcast Innovation Fund provides financial support for projects that contribute to the evolution of Internet technologies. The programme encourages innovation that can be shared, scaled, and adopted widely, particularly through open-source development and applied research.
Projects funded under the Comcast Innovation Fund typically run for one year, with the possibility of phased continuation for multi-year initiatives based on progress and outcomes.
Who Can Apply
The fund is open to a wide range of applicants worldwide, including:
- Individual researchers and technologists
- University faculty members and academic researchers
- Research institutions and laboratories
- Organisations working on technical Internet and connectivity solutions
There are no geographic restrictions, making this a truly global opportunity.
Ineligible Projects
Projects in the following areas are not eligible for funding:
- Fintech, blockchain, or cryptocurrency-focused projects
- Social media platforms or applications
- Network simulators or purely simulated environments
2026 Priority Research and Innovation Areas
For the 2026 funding cycle, the Comcast Innovation Fund is prioritising proposals in the following areas:
1. Low-Latency Networking
Research focused on reducing network latency, including work related to emerging standards such as IETF’s L4S, measurement tools, and performance optimisation techniques.
2. Wi‑Fi Performance and Measurement
Projects aimed at improving Wi‑Fi reliability, performance, diagnostics, and user experience across different environments.
3. Artificial Intelligence, Edge Computing, and Caching
Innovative applications of distributed AI, edge computing, content caching, and workloads supporting technologies such as AR/VR and advanced video analytics.
4. Live Video Streaming
Research and development initiatives focused on reducing latency and improving performance in live video streaming systems.
5. Quantum‑Related Cybersecurity and Privacy
Solutions addressing cybersecurity and privacy challenges in the emerging quantum computing era.
6. Quantum Network Optimisation (PhD Initiative)
Advanced research using quantum computing approaches to optimise network systems, with a particular focus on doctoral-level research.
Types of Grants Available
The Comcast Innovation Fund supports different categories of grants, including:
- Open‑Source Development Grants – for building, improving, or maintaining open-source tools and software
- General Research Grants – for broader research and development initiatives
- Targeted Research Grants – addressing specific technical challenges
- Useful and Interesting Things Grants – supporting novel ideas such as innovative hardware, software, or technical conference activities
Funding Amount and Duration
- Grant size typically ranges from USD 3,000 to USD 150,000 per project
- Most projects are funded for one year
- Multi-year projects may be considered on a phased basis
- Budgets must be clearly justified
- Indirect or overhead costs are generally not covered
Application Process
The application process for the Comcast Innovation Fund 2026 Grant Year follows a two-step approach:
Step 1: Pre‑Qualification
Applicants must first submit a short pre‑qualification form outlining the project concept, objectives, and relevance to the Fund’s priority areas.
Step 2: Full Proposal
Applicants invited to proceed will be required to submit a full proposal, including:
- Detailed project description and methodology
- Technical objectives and expected outcomes
- Budget breakdown and justification
- Project timeline and milestones
- Anticipated impact and potential for adoption
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Submitted proposals are assessed based on:
- Technical innovation and originality
- Practical impact on Internet connectivity and performance
- Feasibility and clarity of methodology
- Alignment with the 2026 priority areas
- Potential for real-world use and adoption, particularly through open-source dissemination
Why Apply to the Comcast Innovation Fund 2026 Grant Year
This funding opportunity provides applicants with the resources to advance meaningful Internet-focused innovations, contribute to global connectivity improvements, and gain recognition for high-impact technical research and development.
Need Support With Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
