Funding of research projects on the topic "Software Sprint – Support for Open Source Developers"
Support for independent programmers to develop open-source prototypes in the areas of data security and software components. Submission of project outlines on the deadlines 02.01.2025, 30.11.2025, 30.11.2026, and 30.11.2027.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
Strengthening the innovation potential of independent programmers by promoting prototype software solutions as open source in the areas of data security and software components for socially relevant applications.
Eligible expenses
- Project-related personnel and overhead costs
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Independent freelance programmers or comparable teams
- Minimum age 18 years
- Residence or business location in the Federal Republic of Germany
- Proof of relevant expertise in software development
- Utilization of results as open source
Documents required for application
- Project outline (template available at www.prototypefund.de)
- Form-bound application (easy-Online or paper)
- Documents suitable for creditworthiness check (e.g., bank statement)
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the solution approach
- Open-source provision of the results
- Social relevance
- Qualification of the applicants
Description
The program “Software Sprint – Support for Open Source Developers” of the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Spaceflight (BMFTR) supports independent freelance programmers as well as interdisciplinary teams in Germany in the development of prototype open-source solutions in the fields of data security and software components. The goal is to mobilize the innovation potential of this community through grants covering up to 95% of project-related personnel and overhead costs. Projects with a duration of 6 to 10 months are funded, characterized by a high degree of innovation, societal relevance, and a binding open-source utilization. The four submission deadlines for project outlines are 02.01.2025, 30.11.2025, 30.11.2026, and 30.11.2027. Up to €47,500 is available per individual, and up to €95,000 for teams. Participation by persons from other European countries is possible as long as they do not hold project leadership.
For a successful application, a project outline according to the Prototype Fund template is required. The two-stage process begins with the submission of the outline via the Prototype Fund platform, followed by an invitation to submit a formal application through the easy online procedure or in paper format. Innovative approaches, the qualifications of the applicants, and the anticipated sustainability in the open-source context are evaluated. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate their software development skills, and have their residence or business location in Germany. Only project-related personnel and overhead costs are funded; own financial contribution and creditworthiness checks are required. The manageable bureaucratic effort as well as accompanying advisory and coaching services provided by the DLR Project Management Agency and the Open Knowledge Foundation Germany e. V. ensure rapid implementation and sustainable impact of the funded prototypes.