NGI Zero Commons Fund

Overview

The NGI Zero Commons Fund is a rolling open-call grant programme under the Next Generation Internet initiative. It aims to help deliver, mature and scale internet commons, freely accessible and collaboratively developed digital technologies spanning hardware, software, standards, data & AI, and end-user applications. To reclaim the public nature of the internet.

The programme is backed by the NLnet Foundation and consortium partners, funding €21.6 million in R&D through continuous open calls until mid-2027 or until budget is exhausted.

What the Programme Supports

• Development and scaling of open internet commons across the technology stack.
• Creation and enhancement of free/libre/open source software and hardware.
• Open standards, open data & AI, open science and educational tools.
• Activities including research, design, development, validation, documentation, user studies, security testing, standardisation, community events, and inclusive design.

Output requirements: All scientific outcomes must be open access, and any software or hardware must be released under recognised open source licences. nlnet.nl

Who Can Apply

The call is broadly open:

• Individuals (including researchers and independent developers).
• SMEs, startups, mid-caps and larger companies.
• Research organisations, universities and public institutions.
• Non-profits and civil society organisations.

Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the NGI vision, and proposals must be written in English with clear R&D objectives and (where applicable) a European dimension.