NLnet Restack Fund
€5,000–50,000 for a first grant; can scale up for proven potential; plus in-kind security audits/standardisation help. €7M total to 2030.. Provided by NLnet Foundation (EU DG CONNECT / Horizon Europe).
Key facts
- Amount
- €5,000–50,000 for a first grant; can scale up for proven potential; plus in-kind security audits/standardisation help. €7M total to 2030.
- Duration
- Not fixed
- Type
- Grant
- Who receives it
- Founder or team
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- EN
- Location
- Strong European dimension expected (applicants mostly from Horizon Europe-eligible countries)
Who can apply
- Individuals explicitly allowed as applicants (also SMEs, NGOs, etc.)
- Concrete contribution to an Open Internet Stack (infra, open alternatives to closed services, secure devices)
- All results under a recognised FOSS licence
- AI projects out of scope unless >1M active users and directly relevant
What usually blocks applicants
- Output must be open source — not for proprietary SaaS core
- NLnet rejects AI-generated proposals
- Paid per milestone, not upfront
Why founders miss it
Short plain-text English form, individuals welcome, no company needed, and funding can cover your own dev time. Most solo devs don't know NLnet funds people, not just orgs.
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 3 November 2026
Opens: 3 September 2026
Call opened 3 Sep 2026; deadline 3 Nov 2026 12:00 CET. NLnet runs deadlines on the 3rd of every odd month, so next likely 3 Jan 2027.
Frequently asked
How much does NLnet Restack Fund pay?
€5,000–50,000 for a first grant; can scale up for proven potential; plus in-kind security audits/standardisation help. €7M total to 2030.
Who can apply for NLnet Restack Fund?
Individuals explicitly allowed as applicants (also SMEs, NGOs, etc.) Concrete contribution to an Open Internet Stack (infra, open alternatives to closed services, secure devices) All results under a recognised FOSS licence AI projects out of scope unless >1M active users and directly relevant
When is the NLnet Restack Fund deadline?
Call opened 3 Sep 2026; deadline 3 Nov 2026 12:00 CET. NLnet runs deadlines on the 3rd of every odd month, so next likely 3 Jan 2027.
Where do I apply for NLnet Restack Fund?
On the official page: https://nlnet.nl/restack/. Applications are accepted in EN.
Do I have to pay back NLnet Restack Fund or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for NLnet Restack Fund?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
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