The Prototype Fund supports software developers, designers and other creatives in transforming their ideas from a concept into a software prototype. Whether data security, mobility, education or democracy – together we explore and test new ways for technical and social innovations as open source software from society and for society.
As individual developers or small interdisciplinary project teams, you will receive up to €47,500 over six months from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. With this funding you can write code and develop a first prototype of your software. We will also connect you with tech and other relevant communities, support you with coaching, and advise you on project implementation, communication, and sustainability.
Apply – as an individual developer or small team – with your idea for innovative open source software until March 31st, 2024 (23:59) for the 16th round of the Prototype Fund. The call is open to all topics.
We explicitly encourage all people who belong to groups that have been underrepresented in software development to apply for the funding. You can contact us at any time during the application period.
In this open call, we are looking forward to all project ideas in the area of Public Interest Tech and our four funding priorities Civic Tech, Data Security, Data Literacy and Software Infrastructure. The important thing is that they are technologies with societal added value – and that you meet all the eligibility criteria. Our previous funding projects give you a good idea of what this looks like in practice. We have collected the most important application information for you at a glance on this page: Your application to Prototype Fund.
It is important to us that all innovations in the public interest remain adaptable and accessible. That’s why we only fund open source projects. If you have questions about the application process or funding, you can find the answers in our FAQ. Note that all applications must be submitted in German.
On Febuary 08, we’ll be on stand-by from 5 to 6 p.m. to offer advice and support during an online consultation. We are also offering an online consultation for FLINTA* on February 13, also from 5 to 6 pm. You can request the link to the video conference via email.