Programme Category
Programme Name
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
The NGI Zero Core project, co-funded from Horizon Europe, foresees the provision of financial support to third parties, as a means to achieve the objectives of the Next Generation Internet initiative and to contribute to a resilient, trustworthy and sustainably open internet. This includes developing alternatives and improvements to core internet hardware, software and protocols removes gatekeepers, choke points and surveillance capabilities. But also improving issues of security, privacy, interoperability, high availability and scalability of decentralised technologies to allow us to benefit from both ‘local first’ and from economies of scale without unnecessary centralisation.
Detailed Call Description
NGI0 Core supports independent researchers and developers working on digital commons in order to restore and maintain European sovereignty, and to secure democratic ownership of the digital society.
The following types of activities qualify for financial support in the 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.
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 Core is €500.000.
Thematic Categories
- Education and training
- New Entrepreneurship
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Small-Medium Enterprises and Competitiveness
Eligibility for Participation
- Educational Institutions
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Eligibility For Participation Notes
There are no categorical exclusions of persons who may not receive support from NGI0 Core. Given equal proposals, inhabitants of the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe are given priority.
Support to projects from outstanding academic researchers, hi-tech startups and SMEs.