Radix applies for 46 new TLDs in ICANN 2026 round

Registry operator Radix has submitted 46 applications for new top-level domains (TLDs) in ICANN’s 2026 expansion round, marking its second major participation in the program. The company, which secured seven TLDs in the 2012 round, has branded this latest effort as Radix Deux, signaling a deliberate and selective approach to the current application process.

Radix CEO Sandeep Ramchandani framed the strategy as a departure from broad, speculative filings. "There are two ways to approach a TLD round like this: apply wide and see what sticks, or pick deliberately and commit completely," he said. The company evaluated 3.2 million potential extensions before narrowing its focus to 46, representing the top 0.0014% of candidates.

"There are two ways to approach a TLD round like this: apply wide and see what sticks, or pick deliberately and commit completely. We chose the latter." — Sandeep Ramchandani, CEO, Radix (via Namepros)

What Radix brings to the round

Radix’s track record in the 2012 round positions it as one of the more experienced operators in the current expansion. The company has managed seven TLDs since their delegation, including widely adopted extensions like .online and .store. Its operational success in the new gTLD space contrasts with the mixed outcomes of other early applicants, many of which struggled with adoption or financial viability.

The 2026 round, ICANN’s first since 2012, has attracted renewed interest from both established registries and new entrants. Radix’s decision to limit its applications to 46—rather than pursuing a larger, less focused portfolio—reflects a shift in industry strategy. Operators now prioritize extensions with clear use cases or brand alignment over speculative bets on generic terms.

Why the 2026 round matters

The current ICANN expansion round introduces structural changes designed to address criticisms of the 2012 process. These include stricter evaluation criteria, higher application fees, and a more transparent contention resolution system. For Radix, the round offers an opportunity to build on its existing portfolio while capitalizing on lessons learned from the first wave of new gTLDs.

The company’s selective approach may also signal broader industry trends. With over 1,200 new gTLDs already delegated since 2012, the market has matured, and operators are increasingly cautious about overextending. Radix’s focus on a smaller, high-conviction set of extensions suggests confidence in its ability to drive adoption without relying on volume alone.

What to watch

The next phase of the 2026 round will involve ICANN’s evaluation of all applications, a process expected to take 12–18 months. Contention sets—where multiple applicants vie for the same TLD—will be resolved through auctions or private negotiations. Radix’s experience in the 2012 round, where it successfully navigated contention for several extensions, could give it an advantage in this phase.

For industry observers, the round’s outcome will provide insight into the future of the domain namespace. The success of operators like Radix may determine whether ICANN continues to expand the TLD space aggressively or adopts a more measured approach in future rounds.