Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
NGI Fediversity offers €450,000 in funding to support innovative projects that improve internet service deployment and hosting infrastructure. Grants between €5,000 and €50,000 are available for solutions focused on open-source technologies, usability, and secure, scalable systems.
Overview of the Programme
NGI Fediversity is designed to simplify and strengthen how internet services are deployed and maintained.
It supports the development of more accessible, secure, and efficient hosting infrastructures, reducing reliance on centralized service providers.
Core Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve internet service deployment and hosting
- Promote free and open source software and hardware
- Reduce complexity in software supply chains
- Enhance security, usability, and scalability
- Strengthen digital independence and data control
Key Focus Areas
Projects can focus on:
- Scientific research and technical validation
- Open-source software and open hardware development
- Security auditing and formal verification
- Software engineering improvements
- Documentation and educational resources
- Standardisation activities
- Usability and inclusive design
- Deployment and packaging improvements
- Participation in technical and community events
- Infrastructure and project management support
Funding Details
- Total funding: €450,000
- Grant size: €5,000 to €50,000 per project
- Supports small to medium R&D initiatives
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Developers and researchers
- Startups and SMEs
- Organizations working on open-source solutions
- Technical communities and contributors
Projects must align with the goals of NGI Fediversity and demonstrate cost-effectiveness and impact.
What the Programme Supports
The programme supports:
- Innovative hosting and deployment solutions
- Tools that simplify system administration
- Secure and scalable infrastructure technologies
- Community-driven and open-source innovation
What is Not Supported
The programme does NOT support:
- Projects unrelated to hosting or infrastructure
- Closed-source or proprietary-only solutions
- Ideas without clear technical implementation plans
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Identify a relevant problem in hosting or deployment
- Design an open-source or technical solution
- Prepare a project proposal with clear objectives
- Define budget within €5,000–€50,000 range
- Submit application under NGI Fediversity
- Participate in evaluation and selection process
Why It Matters
This initiative is important because:
- It reduces dependency on centralized platforms
- Empowers users with greater data control
- Simplifies complex deployment processes
- Strengthens the open internet ecosystem
- Encourages community-driven innovation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of clear use case or impact
- Weak alignment with open-source principles
- Overly complex or impractical solutions
- Poor documentation or usability planning
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on real-world deployment challenges
- Emphasize usability and accessibility
- Ensure strong security considerations
- Provide clear technical roadmap
- Highlight community and ecosystem impact
FAQ
What is NGI Fediversity?
It is a funding initiative supporting open and innovative internet infrastructure solutions.
How much funding is available?
€450,000 in total, with €5,000–€50,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Developers, researchers, startups, and organizations worldwide.
What type of projects are supported?
Open-source, secure, and scalable hosting and deployment solutions.
Is open-source mandatory?
Yes, projects should align with open-source principles.
What is the goal of the programme?
To make internet services easier to deploy, manage, and scale securely.
Conclusion
NGI Fediversity provides a strong opportunity for innovators to build the next generation of open, secure, and user-friendly internet infrastructure. By supporting practical and scalable solutions, the programme contributes to a more resilient and decentralized digital future.
For more information, visit NLnet Foundation.
