Programme Category
Programme Name
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
The goal of this new fund is to help deliver, mature and scale new internet commons across the whole technology spectrum, from libre silicon to middleware, from P2P infrastructure to convenient end user applications. We have a holistic, full-stack approach, simply because there is no other way. If we want to reclaim the public nature of the internet and yield the full benefits from technology as a society, we need to have full coverage — period.
Detailed Call Description
The following types of activities qualify for financial support, provided they are cost effective and have a clear link to the topics directly relevant to digital commons and the objectives set out in call:
- scientific research;
- design and development of open source software and open hardware;
- validation or constructive inquiry into existing or novel technical solutions;
- software engineering aimed at adapting to new usage areas or improving software quality;
- formal security proofs, security audits, setup and design of software testing and continuous integration;
- documentation for researchers, developers and end users;
- standardisation activities, including membership fees of standards bodies;
- understanding user requirements and improving usability/inclusive design;
- necessary measures in support of (broad)er deployability, e.g. packaging;
- participation in technical, developer and community events like hackathons, IETF, W3C, RIPE meetings, FOSDEM, etc. (admission fee, travel and subsistence costs);
- other activities that are relevant to adhering to robust software development and deployment practices;
- project management;
- out-of-pocket costs for infrastructure essential to achieving the above.
All scientific outcomes must be published as open access, and any software and hardware must be published under a recognised free and open source license in its entirety.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
Applications are accepted for proposals requesting between €5.000 and €50.000. Once you have successfully completed a project you may apply for additional funding.
The maximum amount to be granted per third party over the lifetime of NGI Zero Commons Fund is €500.000. A third party can be an organisation or an individual.
The expected duration of participation is 1-12 months.
Thematic Categories
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Central Government
- International Organisations
- Legal Entities
- NGOs
- Non Profit Organisations
- Other Beneficiaries
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- Semi-governmental organisations
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Eligibility For Participation Notes
Anyone can apply, including private individuals and organisations of any type. Project proposals should be in line with the NGI vision and should have research and development as their primary objective. Proposals should be complete and concise (no longer than the equivalent of two pages for the main application, see the submission form). Proposals should have a clear European dimension.