NLnet Restack Open Internet Grant 2026
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Quick Answer
Non-dilutive grants of €5,000–€50,000 for open-source software, hardware and open-standards work that strengthens the open internet.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- NLnet Foundation
- Application deadline
- 7d — 3 Nov 2026
- Location
- International
About this grant
Restack is NLnet's fund for building a healthy open internet stack, backed by the European Commission's Open Internet Stack initiative. Between now and 2030 it will award €7 million in small to medium-size R&D grants for technology building blocks across every layer of the stack: core internet infrastructure, alternatives to closed online technologies, secure and privacy-friendly devices, software supply chain security, reproducibility and open standards.
Proposals of €5,000 to €50,000 are sought, with the possibility to scale up significantly if there is proven potential. Alongside funding, NLnet offers practical help such as accessibility scans, security audits, reproducible packaging, copyright-compliance and governance support, and standardisation help. All project results must be released under a recognised free or open-source licence. AI-related projects are out of scope unless already used by more than 1 million active human users and directly relevant to the stack.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Grants of €5,000 to €50,000 (approximately ₹5.45 lakh to ₹54.5 lakh), non-dilutive with no equity given up, with the possibility of scaling up significantly for projects with proven potential. NLnet also provides accessibility scans, security audits, reproducible packaging, support with copyright compliance and governance, and help with standardisation.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Application Process
- 1
Read the guide
Check the guide for applicants, eligibility clauses and FAQ.
You - 2
- 3
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can applicants from outside Europe apply?
Yes, but the project needs a strong European dimension. Usually that means team members from Horizon Europe-eligible countries receive at least 60% of the funds. Proposals from elsewhere can be considered if the project is of exceptional quality and the proposer holds unique technical expertise.
What licence must the results use?
Project results must be released under a recognised free or open-source licence, and apply open standards where possible.
Are AI projects eligible?
Not generally. AI-related projects are in scope only if already used by more than 1 million active human users and directly relevant to the stack.
What is the deadline?
The first call closes on 3 November 2026 at 12:00 CET (noon).
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
