As the Cardano ecosystem expands and matures, it’s crucial to strengthen its presence wherever new opportunities arise. One such opportunity is the upcoming application window for registering new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs, such as .org or .xyz) with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), opening in Q1 2026.
During this window, applications for new gTLDs will be possible for the first time since 2012. In the interest of Cardano, the Cardano Foundation plans to apply for the registration of the .ada and .cardano gTLDs. We will use only our own financial resources for this. If we are successful, securing these gTLDs will allow anyone in the Cardano ecosystem to procure corresponding domains (such as vespr.ada or nmkr.cardano).
The Cardano Foundation has been diligently scoping this project since 2023, when the new ICANN application window was announced. A multi-disciplinary team of experts has shaped the initiative. This process involved consulting with community experts and evaluating vendors to secure optimal support for both the upcoming application preparation and the future operational management of the gTLDs. We are excited by the potential and want to shout out in particular to Pi, Patrick and Chris for their contributions.
In this post we (1) explore the gTLD opportunity, (2) explain why we believe it is of strategic importance, (3) outline our principles for administering the gTLDs for the benefit of the Cardano ecosystem, (4) describe the process to invite community support, and (5) estimate the costs covered by CF.
1. New gTLD Application Window
In the Web2 world, ICANN, a non-profit organization, plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and security of the internet’s unique identifiers. Specifically, ICANN coordinates the assignment of domain names, IP addresses, and protocol parameters, ensuring that the global network remains interoperable.
The upcoming gTLDs application window invites applications for new gTLDs, and allows for the introduction of novel domain extensions, thereby influencing the future landscape of online identity and navigation.
The application process as set out in the Applicant Guidebook, requires applicants to demonstrate technical and operational capabilities, alongside a clear strategic vision for their proposed gTLD. ICANN has emphasized the importance of community-based applications, encouraging groups to collaborate and propose gTLDs that serve specific communities of interest. While there is no guarantee of success in the gTLD application process, we strongly believe that it is a risk worth taking.
2. Why Apply for .ada and .cardano gTLDs?
The Cardano Foundation’s application for the .ada and .cardano gTLDs serves several purposes:
- Ensure a competitive digital presence for Cardano: In securing both .cardano and .ada, we would increase visibility and strengthen our presence in the digital space while boosting trust and credibility for projects built on Cardano.
- Unlock innovations for Cardano: Being able to use .ada and .cardano domains will allow the Cardano ecosystem builders and users to leverage them for innovations and bridging of the Web2 to Web3 divide. Examples could include:
- simplified wallet addresses;
- integration with decentralized identity solutions like Veridian;
- domain tokenisation.
The Cardano Foundation is also in conversation with Ada Handles and Handshake to explore use cases that bridge traditional DNS and Cardano.
- Strategically position Cardano as a digital infrastructure: The new gTLDs would provide an additional utility layer to the Cardano blockchain and unlock the potential for new integrations and use cases, increasing the overall attractiveness of Cardano.
3. How will the Cardano Foundation administer the .ada and .cardano gTLDs
To ensure that the .ada and .cardano gTLDs are operated in the interest of the ecosystem and community, the Cardano Foundation is committed to regularly publishing figures on the gTLDs’ operation, as we already do with all our financial data. Depending on the market interest in the new gTLDs, there is a possibility that, in time, we will be able to use returns to support other ecosystem activities.
Furthermore, the Cardano Foundation plans to establish a dedicated Community Advisory Group to guide the management and development of the gTLDs. Such a Group will ensure that the gTLDs are operated in accordance with the principles set out in “Our Cardano” and duly facilitate collaboration with existing projects in the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Info Action for Community Support
Thanks to the Cardano ecosystem governance mechanisms, we have the unique opportunity to assess community sentiment and support for this initiative. For this purpose, and to simultaneously show community endorsement for purposes of the gTLDs application, the Cardano Foundation is submitting an Info Action. Please cast your vote.
If the Info Action passes, the Cardano Foundation will prepare, pay for and submit an application for both gTLDs with ICANN in Q1 2026.
5. Estimated Costs and Resources
Below is a breakdown of the estimated rough budget to apply for and operate the new gTLDs. Please note that the Cardano Foundation is not requesting Treasury funds for this project. The cost of all resources will be covered directly by the Cardano Foundation.
One-Time Costs
- Two gTLD Applications: Est. $700,000
- ICANN application fees: Est. $500,000
- Application support: Est. $200,000
Annual Fixed Costs
- Annual fixed costs: Est. $350,000
- ICANN fees, Registry Software Maintenance, and Licensing: Est. $100,000
- Marketing, Business Development, and Overhead: Est. $250,000
Annual Variable Costs
Variable costs are not included in the above figures, as they depend on domain sales volume and will be offset by domain sales revenue.
6. To Conclude
The upcoming ICANN application window represents a unique opportunity for the Cardano ecosystem. By pursuing the .ada and .cardano gTLDs applications, the Cardano Foundation plans to expand Cardano’s infrastructure’s capabilities, solidify its competitive edge and digital presence, foster innovation, and ensure that these critical assets are managed for the benefit of the entire Cardano ecosystem and community.
We hope the Cardano community will support this initiative and we ask all SPOs and DReps to vote YES for this Info Action to support us in shaping the future of Cardano.
FAQ
1. What is the Cardano Foundation planning to do regarding Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)?
The Cardano Foundation plans to apply for the registration of the .ada and .cardano gTLDs with ICANN.
2. When is the next application window for new gTLDs expected to open?
The next application window for new gTLDs is anticipated to open in Q1 2026.
3. Why is the Cardano Foundation pursuing the .ada and .cardano gTLDs?
The initiative aims to ensure a robust digital presence for Cardano and strategically develop Cardano as a digital infrastructure, by adding an additional infrastructure layer to it.
4. How will securing these gTLDs benefit the Cardano ecosystem?
It will enhance digital identity, prevent brand misuse, build trust, and unlock innovative use cases such as simplified wallet addresses (“yourname.ada”), integration with decentralized identity solutions, and offer the possibility of domain tokenization.
5. Why is the Cardano Foundation considered best suited to apply for these gTLDs?
The Cardano Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to managing the gTLDs for the ecosystem’s benefit, as it has been doing with other Cardano public goods such as the Cardano trademarks. In addition, it possesses the resources, the technical know-how and the community reach to manage this project.
6. How will the Cardano Foundation administer the .ada and .cardano gTLDs?
The Foundation will regularly publish statistics and financials about the gTLDs operation, and will establish a Community Advisory Group to guide gTLDs management and development.
7. Will the Cardano Foundation be using Cardano Treasury funds for this project?
No, the Cardano Foundation will cover all costs directly with its own financial resources and will not ask for Cardano Treasury funds.
8. What are the estimated one-time costs for applying for the gTLDs?
The estimated one-time costs for two gTLD applications are USD 700,000, which includes ICANN application fees (USD 500,000) and application support fees (USD 200,000).
9. What are the estimated annual fixed costs for operating the gTLDs?
The estimated annual fixed costs are USD 100,000 for ICANN fees, registry software maintenance, and licensing, and USD 250,000 for marketing, business Development, and overhead, totaling USD 350,000 annually.
10. Why is the Cardano Foundation submitting an Info Action for this project?
The Cardano Foundation is submitting an Info Action to assess the community support for this initiative. The Info Action will also serve as proof of community endorsement in the context of the gTLDs application.