NLnet Restack Open Internet Grant 2026

Non-dilutive grants of €5,000–€50,000 for open-source software, hardware and open-standards work that strengthens the open internet.

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.