Author: Christian Dawson

New resource connects applicants to vetted experts for the 2026 New gTLD Program

RICHMOND, VA — Today at ICANN83 in Prague, the Domain Name Association (The DNA) officially launched its New gTLD Resource Directory, a curated, community-driven guide to service providers prepared to support applicants for the 2026 round of ICANN’s New gTLD Program.

Available now at thedna.org/new-gtlds, this directory is designed to connect first-time and returning applicants with experienced, trusted experts in legal, business, and technical services.

The DNA created this resource not as a marketing tool, but as a starting point for success—built on the principle that great ideas shouldn’t fail just because people don’t know where to begin.

A Different Kind of Directory

Unlike many industry lists, The DNA’s directory isn’t limited to its members. In fact, none of the members of the Advisory Council guiding this project are affiliated with The DNA or i2Coalition, which operates the program. That independence is intentional and essential.

We set out to build a neutral, trustworthy directory—not just a roster of our own members. This is about strengthening the domain name community by empowering those who want to build something new.

Christian Dawson, Executive Director of i2Coalition.

Providers listed in the directory must demonstrate either:

• Proven experience in supporting successful gTLD applications, or
• Clear readiness and domain-specific expertise relevant to the process.

This focus on quality ensures applicants are connecting with experts who can actually get the job done.

Guided by an Independent Advisory Council

To ensure fairness, accuracy, and transparency, The DNA assembled an independent Advisory Council, which includes:

• 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)

Service Categories Covered

The Resource Directory organizes providers into three core categories:

• Business & Legal Services—Branding, legal strategy, financial planning
• Application Services—Application drafting, ICANN policy navigation
• Technical Services—DNS setup, DNSSEC, IDNs, RDAP, IPv6, registry operations

Applicants can also find providers participating in ICANN’s Pro Bono Support Program, offering subsidized services to eligible applicants.

Visit thedna.org/new-gtlds to explore provider categories, find expert guidance, or submit your services to the directory.

About The Domain Name Association (The DNA)

The DNA is the first global trade association for the domain name industry, offering trusted resources for registries, registrars, DNS providers, brand owners, and new entrants. As a program of the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition), The DNA promotes safe, accessible, and innovative domain name practices. Learn more at thedna.org.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

(202) 681-6032

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.