The ICANN launched its first project series of subsidies in 2024, under the name ICANN Grants. The goal is to support initiatives from around the world working towards a safer, more inclusive and accessible internet.

ICANN Grants backs projects that address some of today’s main challenges for the network, such as:

• Improving the security of systems that make it possible for domains to work.
• Fostering innovation based on open standards and transparent technology.
• Fostering greater participation by new stakeholders in the governance of the internet.

The grants not only provide funds, but also recognition and the promotion of initiatives aimed at building a more equitable and sustainable internet.

The call

In May 2025, the ICANN announced the 23 projects selected. One of these presented by the .cat domain, through Accent Obert (formerly Fundació .cat): a proposal based on assessing the performance of territorial domains (geoTLD) as a tool for improving internet access the world over.

Under the name Assessing GeoTLD’s Performance for Enhanced Internet Accessibility: An Open-Source Methodological Approach, the project will create an open-source methodology whereby any TLD in the world can check which treatment it gets from traditional and AI-based search engines, the goal being to generate useful knowledge for other linguistic, cultural or urban communities.

The role of the .barcelona domain

The .barcelona domain, as with 11 other domains in the cultural, linguistic and geoterritorial sphere, backed the proposal presented and will play a key role as a case study within the project.

Its role as a geoTLD aimed at citizens, language and digital proximity makes it a valuable example within the project headed by Accent Obert. It also strengthens the commitment of the city and the territory to a more inclusive and decentralised network which respects diversity.