Prototype Fund
Up to EUR 47,500 (individual) or EUR 95,000 (team) for 6 months; optional 4-month Second Stage up to EUR 31,667 (individual) or about EUR 63,000 (team). Provided by Open Knowledge Foundation Germany with DLR Projektträger, funded by BMFTR.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to EUR 47,500 (individual) or EUR 95,000 (team) for 6 months; optional 4-month Second Stage up to EUR 31,667 (individual) or about EUR 63,000 (team)
- Duration
- 6 months (+4 optional)
- Type
- Grant
- Who receives it
- Founder or team
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE, EN
- Location
- Individuals must live in Germany; team members may live elsewhere in the EU, team forms a GbR based in Germany after selection
Who can apply
- Individual developers or teams of up to 4 people, of legal age
- Open-source software project (open hardware not eligible)
- Companies, associations, universities and other institutions cannot apply
- Focus areas: data security and software infrastructure
- Second Stage must be requested in the original application
- Hourly rate capped at EUR 50; a bank statement must show your own contribution
What usually blocks applicants
- Not open source
- Applying as a company or institution
- Individual not living in Germany
- Hardware project
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 30 November 2026
Opens: 1 October 2026
Class 03 application phase 1 Oct to 30 Nov 2026 (open now).
Frequently asked
How much does Prototype Fund pay?
Up to EUR 47,500 (individual) or EUR 95,000 (team) for 6 months; optional 4-month Second Stage up to EUR 31,667 (individual) or about EUR 63,000 (team)
Who can apply for Prototype Fund?
Individual developers or teams of up to 4 people, of legal age Open-source software project (open hardware not eligible) Companies, associations, universities and other institutions cannot apply Focus areas: data security and software infrastructure Second Stage must be requested in the original application Hourly rate capped at EUR 50; a bank statement must show your own contribution
When is the Prototype Fund deadline?
Class 03 application phase 1 Oct to 30 Nov 2026 (open now).
Where do I apply for Prototype Fund?
On the official page: https://www.prototypefund.de/en/application. Applications are accepted in DE, EN.
Do I have to pay back Prototype Fund or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Prototype 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.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
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