Helping new applicants start strong, with trusted partners by their side
As ICANN83 gets underway in Prague, we’re proud to announce the launch of the Domain Name Association’s (The DNA) New gTLD Resource Directory—a vetted list of service providers built to support applicants in the 2026 round of ICANN’s New gTLD Program.
This project is about more than just making connections. It’s about building confidence and trust in the gTLD application process.
Why We Built This Directory
The path to launching a new gTLD is complex. Applicants need reliable legal advice, technical services, marketing expertise, and policy guidance. Yet many of the most capable providers don’t appear in a single place—and ICANN, for good reason, doesn’t make recommendations.
So we created a community-centered directory, independently curated with care.
This isn’t just a list of i2Coalition or DNA members—in fact, none of our Advisory Council members are affiliated with either organization, and many of our listed providers are not members. That’s by design: we want to minimize conflicts of interest and make sure what we’re offering is a true public resource.
We’re actively building inclusion criteria to ensure that providers listed in this directory have either:
- Demonstrated successful involvement in past gTLD rounds, or
- Proven aptitude and readiness to support applicants this time around.
We’re serious about quality, credibility, and usefulness. That’s what New gTLD applicants deserve.
What You’ll Find in the Directory
The directory features service providers grouped into three key areas:
Business & Legal Services
Branding, marketing, financial planning, legal compliance
Application Services
Application writing, ICANN policy guidance, AGB navigation
Technical Services
Registry backend setup, DNSSEC, EPP, RDAP, IDNs, IPv6, and more
Each listing includes service details and whether the provider participates in ICANN’s Pro Bono Support Program.
Guided by Community Leaders
Our directory is informed by an independent Advisory Council, including:
- Lilian Fosteris, Digital & Domain Strategist
- Jothan Frakes, CEO, PLISK Registrar, 2012 Round SME
- Martin Küchenthal, CEO, LEMARIT GmbH
- Jim Prendergast, The Galway Strategy Group
- Christa Taylor, Co-Founder, TLDz, (CPA, CMA, Master of Science in Predictive Analytics)
Their collective experience across multiple gTLD rounds ensures that their guidance keeps this resource relevant, neutral, and effective.
How to Use It
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of a gTLD, or you’re assembling your team now, visit the directory to:
- Browse trusted service providers
- Learn about what’s required to apply
- Understand key ICANN timelines
- Submit your own provider profile (if qualified)
We’re here to support the next generation of domain innovation by providing a resource you can trust.
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