Send in your ideas. Deadline June 1, 2024

Apply before October 1st 2023

Deadline for submission: October 1st 2023 (noon CEST)

Submit a proposal

Do you have a valuable idea in the area of digital commons and networked technology, that will contribute towards achieving a more open information society and brings us the next generation of the internet closer? We are interested in further developing open solutions that empower users on all layers of technology.

Can your idea help create a more robust and open internet by and for users, and help us work towards higher level goals like data sovereignty and service portability? Are you working on trustworthy hardware, toolchains for libre silicon or improving the state of cryptography? Is your work helping to further the privacy and scalability of concrete internet services like videoconferencing, or helping to redefine decentralised social media based on open standards? Or are you even tackling something as ambitious as rewiring parts of the architecture of the internet?

And are you looking for financial means to make those ideas come to life? Or do you have an existing project that requires additional effort to enable further development? Then submit your proposal to NLnet foundation before October 1st and see if we can help you.

We put any money we can get our hands on (including yours if you give it to us) where our mouth is: that is to increase the utility and benefit of open technologies for society. Have a look at our portfolio to see what we mean. What is important for us is that the technology you develop or help promote is not just technology for technologies sake, but benefits society and has the potential for real impact. For us, this means by definition that the fruits of your project become available under a free and open source license.

We are looking forward to your proposals! Note that we are also interested to hear your inspiring ideas if you are unable to manage them yourself.

Open themes

Currently we are particularly interested in project proposals for the following themes:

In addition there are a number of smaller themes you could have a look at. Uncertain? You can always submit through the open call.

About NLnet Foundation

NLnet Foundation (in Dutch: Stichting NLnet) is a recognised public benefit organisation that invests its own independent funds as well as funds that it manages on behalf of other organisations — such as the European Commission —. The foundation supports strategic initiatives that contribute to an open information society.