Comcast Innovation Fund 2026: Grants of Up to $150,000 for Global Tech, Internet, and Connectivity Research

The Comcast Innovation Fund is now accepting applications for its 2026 Grant Year, offering significant funding opportunities for technologists, researchers, academics, and innovators working on the future of the Internet and connectivity.

Established to support technology and public policy research that strengthens the Internet ecosystem, the Comcast Innovation Fund backs projects that advance connectivity products, services, and standards. Since its launch in 2013, the fund has supported impactful, forward-looking work that benefits the global Internet and broadband community.

Who Can Apply?

The fund is open globally to applicants both within and outside the United States. Eligible applicants include:

• Individual researchers and technologists

• Academic institutions and universities

• Research organisations

• Open-source contributors and communities

Grant Size & Duration

• Grant Amount: USD $3,000 – $150,000

• Project Duration: Typically one year

• Multi-year projects may be considered, but funding is provided one phase at a time

2026 Research & Innovation Focus Areas

The Comcast Innovation Fund will support projects aligned with the following 2026 interest areas:

Low Latency Networking

Research and open-source development related to IETF standards such as L4S and NQB, including:

• Measuring adoption of low-latency technologies

• Comparing dual-queue vs. classic queue latency

• Improving Quality of Experience (QoE) and Quality of Outcome (QoO)

Wi-Fi Performance

Innovative approaches to improving home Wi-Fi network performance, including the development or enhancement of open-source wireless networking tools.

AI, Edge Computing & Caching

Research and OSS development focused on:

• Distributed AI inference and training

• Cloud AR/VR

• Video analytics and targeted advertising

• Cost-effective live event distribution at the network edge

Live Video Streaming

Developing open-source tools to reduce live-streaming latency, especially for:

• Live sports

• Comparing latency across different access technologies

Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity & Privacy

Projects addressing protection against quantum-enabled cyber threats, including:

• New standards and best practices

• Transition strategies for securing network infrastructure and digital assets

Quantum Network Optimization (PhD Opportunity)

A unique, industry-integrated PhD funding opportunity focused on applying quantum computing to real-world telecom challenges such as:

• Latency optimization

• Network resiliency and self-healing systems

• Traffic flow and congestion management

• Next-generation network design

This PhD will be jointly supervised by an academic advisor and a Comcast technical leader.

Types of Grants Available

• Open-Source Development Grants – Supporting new or ongoing OSS projects

• General Research Grants – Unrestricted funding for academic research

• Targeted Research Grants – Focused studies on specific challenges

• Useful & Interesting Things Grants – Novel ideas, tools, conferences, or hardware that advance the Internet

How to Apply

The application process follows a two-step model:

1. Submit a Pre-Qualification Form
   – A short overview of your proposed idea
   – Used to assess initial alignment and interest

2. Full Application (by invitation only)
   – Applicants approved at the pre-qualification stage will receive a link to submit a full proposal

Funding is awarded annually starting in January and continues until funds are exhausted.

Get started here: Pre-Qualification Form

Enquiries: innovation_fund@comcast.com

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