We fund Public Interest Tech.

The application phase runs until March 31st 2024.

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 FAQNote 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.

€15.5 Million

FUNDS DISTRIBUTED

362

FUNDED PROJECTS
(incl. #wirvsvirus)

47.500 €

MAX. FUNDING
PER PROJECT

We fund your idea

The current application period runs until 31.03.2024. To apply, answer these questions about your project idea. If your idea is recommended for funding by the jury, we and our project management organization, the DLR, will help you with the formal funding application.

After approval, you can expect coaching on UX/UI design or project management and optionally on other topics during the funding period - in addition to financial support of up to €47,500. We also emphasize exchange, both with the Prototype Fund team and within the funding cohort of up to 25 projects - e.g. at the Kickoff-Day, in monthly group calls, bi-weekly updates and in interim meetings. In addition, we and former grantees are always happy to answer any questions or requests. At the end of the funding period, you will have developed a prototype of your idea, which you will present at the Demo Day.

We have answered all questions about the application, selection and funding process in this FAQ. We have collected all the resources for the application in this overview. You can also contact us directly at any time.