The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) invites its member countries to submit project proposals under the APT Programme for 2026, funded by the Government of Japan. The programme aims to strengthen regional capacity through research exchange and collaboration among experts, helping to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation, and contribute to sustainable development through the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and services.

The Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation would like to inform all faculties and units of the programme details as follows:

1. Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

  • Strengthen research collaboration and expert exchange across the Asia-Pacific region;
  • Support developing and least developed member countries in narrowing the digital divide;
  • Promote innovation and ICT applications for socio-economic development;
  • Contribute to the sustainable development of ICT infrastructure and services across the region.

2. Funding Schemes

APT offers two funding schemes:

International Collaborative Research Programme

  • Supports research activities, academic exchanges, and collaboration among experts in the region;
  • Maximum funding: USD 60,000 per project.

Rural ICT Pilot Project Programme

  • Supports the development and implementation of ICT application models in rural areas;
  • Maximum funding: USD 200,000 per project.

3. Eligible Applicants

The programme is open to government agencies, organizations, research institutes, universities, and other eligible institutions intending to implement ICT research, development, and application projects in eligible APT member countries.

4. Priority Areas

APT encourages proposals that contribute to:

  • ICT infrastructure and service development;
  • Digital transformation;
  • Innovation;
  • Bridging the digital divide;
  • Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

5. Submission Deadline

Interested faculties and units are requested to prepare their project proposals and submit them to the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation via:

Submission deadline: August 10, 2026

The Office will consolidate the proposals, review them, and coordinate the subsequent application procedures.

The application forms and supporting documents are attached to this announcement:

01 Category I-Attachment-1 Scheme of the Programme_2026

02 Category I-Attachment-2 Application Form and Annexes_2026

03 Category I-Attachment-3 Accounting Form and Budget Plan_2026