Prototype Fund

The Prototype Fund funds open-source software created by and for society. We support socially relevant software projects developed by the very people who use them. Funding is provided for innovative projects in the fields of data security and software infrastructure, as well as for free alternatives to Big Tech and its centralised ecosystems. Recipients are given the opportunity to further develop their ideas and test what works (and what doesn’t) in an open space for experimentation.

The projects receive financial support of up to €95,000 over six months or €158,000 over ten months from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. In addition to financial support, we offer a wide range of coaching, advice and opportunities for exchange with our extensive and diverse network of coders, other practitioners and potential users as the projects progress towards prototyping. The support provided is close-knit and practical, as the grant recipients are individuals and small teams who would otherwise have only limited access to the funding ecosystem. The application process is therefore kept as uncomplicated as possible.

Since 2016, we have provided approximately 18 million euros to more than 400 projects (as of October 2026). The programme will run until 2031.