We fund Public Interest Tech.

The application phase runs until 30 September 2023.

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 a small team – with your idea for innovative open source software until 30.09.2023 (23:59) for the 15th 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 practical application. We have collected the most important application information for you at a glance on this page: Your application to the Prototype Fund.

It is clear to us that all innovations in the public interest must 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.

On August 22nd, we will be available to provide advice and support in an online consultation from 5 to 6 pm.

13,4 Mio €

FUNDS DISTRIBUTED

315

FUNDED PROJECTS
(incl. #wirvsvirus)

47.500 €

MAX. FUNDING
PER PROJECT

Public Interest Tech

Developers from civil society create technologies that focus on the needs of users and are freely available. These technologies - regardless of their (financial) usability - form the basis of our (digital) coexistence and create added value for society.

Funding

Funding is available for independent programmers and small teams based in Germany. Each project is supported with a maximum of 47,500€. From 2016 to 2024, up to 25 innovative projects will be funded in 16 funding rounds.

Time frame

You have 6 months for the implementation from concept to prototype.

Open Source

Your results must be made publicly available under an open source license.