The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), the nonprofit organization supporting the development of the Stellar blockchain network, has announced an open call for applicants to its Research Grants program. Aimed at fostering innovation in blockchain technology and expanding financial inclusion, the initiative invites academics, developers, and entrepreneurs worldwide to propose projects addressing critical challenges in decentralized systems.
Bridging Gaps in Blockchain Research
Launched in 2022, SDF’s Research Grants program seeks to fund cutting-edge research across several focus areas, including scalability, interoperability, security, and tools for financial access. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with Stellar’s mission to create equitable global financial infrastructure, particularly those that address real-world challenges in emerging markets.
“Blockchain technology holds immense potential to reshape financial systems, but unlocking that potential requires collaboration across disciplines,” said Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Development Foundation. “Our grants are designed to support bold ideas that can translate into tangible solutions for underserved communities.”
Focus Areas and Eligibility
The program prioritizes proposals in five key domains:
- Scalability and Performance: Enhancing transaction throughput and efficiency for high-demand networks.
- Interoperability: Enabling seamless communication between Stellar and other blockchains or traditional systems.
- Security and Privacy: Developing robust mechanisms to protect user data and assets.
- Financial Inclusion Tools: Creating accessible platforms for payments, savings, credit, and asset tokenization.
- Governance and Sustainability: Exploring decentralized decision-making models and energy-efficient protocols.
Applicants may include academic researchers, independent developers, startups, and nonprofit organizations. SDF encourages interdisciplinary teams and projects with clear pathways to practical implementation.
Funding and Support
Grant amounts vary based on project scope, with typical awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Recipients also gain access to mentorship from Stellar’s engineering team and networking opportunities within its ecosystem. Notably, the program does not require recipients to build exclusively on Stellar, reflecting its commitment to open-source collaboration.
Past funded projects include research on cross-chain atomic swaps, fraud detection algorithms, and low-cost remittance solutions tailored for unbanked populations. In 2023, a grantee team from Kenya developed a prototype for a blockchain-based microlending platform now being piloted in East Africa.
Application Process and Timeline
Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, with decisions announced within 8–12 weeks of submission. Applications require a detailed project plan, budget breakdown, and evidence of the team’s expertise. SDF highlights that projects with open-source outputs or public goods benefiting the broader blockchain community will receive preferential consideration.
Why It Matters
As blockchain adoption grows, foundational research remains vital to addressing technical limitations and ethical concerns. SDF’s initiative joins similar programs by entities like the Ethereum Foundation and Algorand in nurturing early-stage innovation. However, its focus on financial inclusion sets it apart, targeting solutions that could empower millions lacking access to traditional banking.
Interested researchers and developers can learn more or submit proposals at https://research.stellar.org/research-grants
Image Source: StellarOrg
