Zerodha FLOSS Fund
By FLOSS/fund
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Annual funding of up to US$1 million (approximately ₹8.5 crore) for individuals and organizations developing critical Free and Open Source Software projects globally.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹8.5Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- FLOSS/fund
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The FLOSS/fund, an initiative launched in 2024 by Zerodha, is dedicated to providing significant financial support to critical, impactful, and valuable Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) projects worldwide. Recognizing that much of the foundation of modern technology and the internet relies on the tireless efforts of individuals and communities in open source, Zerodha established this fund to contribute to this global endeavor of passion, innovation, and freedom. The fund aims to empower developers and communities by providing the resources necessary to create, maintain, and advance open source projects, regardless of their size or stage.
This annual funding program makes available up to US$1 million (approximately ₹8.5 crore) to support a wide array of open source initiatives. It is designed to be accessible to both individuals and established organizations, fostering a diverse ecosystem of contributors. The core philosophy behind FLOSS/fund is to give back to the open-source community, acknowledging its vital role in technological progress and democratic access to software. By offering non-dilutive financial support, the initiative seeks to alleviate some of the financial burdens often faced by open-source maintainers and developers, allowing them to focus on technical development and community building.
The program encourages applications from projects that demonstrate clear value, a track record of community engagement, and a vision for future impact. It is a long-term commitment from Zerodha to ensure the sustainability and growth of the open-source landscape, which benefits countless users and businesses globally. Through FLOSS/fund, Zerodha aims to play a "tiny bit" in the "enormous global effort" of maintaining and evolving essential open source infrastructure.
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
- Amount
- Up to ₹8.5Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Up to ₹8.5 crore (US$1 million) in annual funding is provided to support critical, impactful, and valuable Free/Libre and Open Source projects globally. This funding is dedicated to developers and communities that create and maintain these projects, fostering innovation and freedom in the technology landscape.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
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
Q: What is the FLOSS/fund?
A: The FLOSS/fund is an initiative by Zerodha, launched in 2024, dedicated to providing financial support to critical, impactful, and valuable Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) projects globally. It aims to contribute to the sustainability and growth of the open-source ecosystem.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for funding?
A: The fund is open to both individuals and organizations, big and small, worldwide, that are actively creating, maintaining, or significantly contributing to Free and Open Source Software projects. All legal entity types are welcome, including pre-incorporation individuals and NGOs.
Q: What kind of projects does FLOSS/fund support?
A: FLOSS/fund supports a wide range of Free and Open Source Software projects that are deemed critical, impactful, and valuable to the technology landscape and the internet itself. The focus is on projects that foster innovation, freedom, and community collaboration.
Q: How much funding can a project receive?
A: The FLOSS/fund allocates up to US$1 million (approximately ₹8.5 crore) in total annual funding. Individual grant amounts will vary based on the project's needs, impact, and the fund's assessment. There is no stated minimum or maximum for individual projects, only an annual pool.
Q: Is this an equity-free grant?
A: Yes, the FLOSS/fund provides non-repayable grants. The funding is given to support project development and maintenance, and no equity stake is taken in any organization or project.
Q: Is there a deadline to apply for the FLOSS/fund?
A: The FLOSS/fund operates on a rolling application basis. There is no specific deadline, and applications are accepted continuously throughout the year, as the fund is committed to providing annual support.
Q: Are there any geographical restrictions for applicants?
A: No, the FLOSS/fund is a global initiative and accepts applications from individuals and organizations worldwide. There are no state or country-specific restrictions for eligibility.
Q: What are the key criteria for project selection?
A: Projects are evaluated based on their criticality, impact, value within the Free and Open Source Software ecosystem, innovation, and community engagement. The fund looks for projects that demonstrate a clear vision and a sustainable plan for development and maintenance.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
