Restack is a funding programme supporting the development, improvement and scaling of open technologies that strengthen the internet's foundational infrastructure. The programme aims to establish a secure, interoperable and sustainable Open Internet Stack built on shared digital resources, free and open-source software, open hardware, open standards and open data.

The initiative responds to growing concerns about dependence on proprietary technology, vendor lock-in, security vulnerabilities and the concentration of control over essential digital infrastructure. It supports practical technology development that can improve digital autonomy, strengthen cybersecurity and enable individuals, businesses, public institutions and civil society to access and adapt trustworthy digital tools.

The Restack programme will distribute €7 million in research and development grants through May 2030, supporting both new innovations and improvements to existing technologies with the potential for real-world adoption.

Funding Available

• Initial grant request: €5,000–€50,000 per project.
• Potential follow-on funding: Larger grants may be considered where previous work demonstrates strong results and clear potential for further development.
• Maximum subsequent proposal: Up to €150,000 per proposal, subject to the programme's conditions.
• Lifetime funding limit: A maximum cumulative total of €500,000 per individual or organisation across the programme.

Funding is intended to cover necessary research, development and implementation activities. Payments are linked to agreed project milestones rather than being disbursed entirely upfront.

Purpose and Objectives

Restack aims to:

• Develop and strengthen open, secure and reliable digital infrastructure.
• Reduce dependence on proprietary services and single technology providers.
• Improve digital security, privacy, interoperability and resilience.
• Support collaborative technology development and shared digital resources.
• Advance open standards that reduce fragmentation and improve compatibility between systems.
• Improve the deployment, accessibility and long-term sustainability of open technologies.
• Enable permission-free innovation through technology that can be reused, adapted and maintained by wider communities.

Priority Areas and Eligible Activities

The call is open to practical innovations across the technology stack, including:

1. Open-Source Software and Hardware

• Development of free and open-source software.
• Open hardware design and development.
• Improvements to existing software and technical solutions.
• Adaptation of technologies for new applications and user environments.

2. Internet Infrastructure and Interoperability

• Core internet infrastructure and foundational technologies.
• Alternatives to closed online services used by large user communities.
• Open standards and interoperable digital systems.
• Decentralised and collaborative computing infrastructure.
• Service management, deployment and infrastructure-layer improvements.

3. Cybersecurity and Digital Trust

• Software supply-chain security.
• Security audits and formal security verification.
• Software testing and continuous integration.
• Reproducible builds, packaging and technologies that improve trust in software.
• Privacy-friendly devices and secure ways to run or access open services.

4. Usability, Accessibility and Deployment

• User-requirement research and usability improvements.
• Inclusive design and accessibility.
• Technical documentation and educational materials.
• Activities that improve the deployment, adoption and maintenance of open technologies.

5. Research, Standards and Community Development

• Scientific research and validation of technical solutions.
• Standardisation and participation in relevant standards bodies.
• Technical collaboration, developer events and hackathons directly supporting an R&D project.
• Project management and essential infrastructure costs.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to individuals and organisations, including formal and informal groups. Applicants do not need to work for a university or research institution, and establishing a legal entity is not a prerequisite for submitting a proposal.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Independent researchers and developers.
• Software and hardware innovators.
• Startups and technology companies.
• Universities and research institutions.
• Non-profit organisations and civil society initiatives.
• Informal development teams and collaborative technology communities.

Projects must have research and development as their primary objective, demonstrate a clear contribution to the Open Internet Stack, and represent a cost-effective use of funding.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A clear technical contribution to the Open Internet Stack.
• A credible research and development plan.
• Practical outcomes that can be made available for wider use.
• A realistic budget and clear value for money.
• Compliance with the programme's open-source, open-access and licensing requirements.
• A strong European dimension.

All scientific outcomes must be published as open access, and project software and hardware must be released in their entirety under recognised free or open-source licences.

AI-related projects are generally outside the scope of this call. An exception may be considered where the technology is already widely used by more than one million active human users and is directly relevant to the Open Internet Stack.

Geographic Scope

The programme requires a strong European dimension, which relates to the people contributing to the project rather than simply where the project will be used. A practical way to meet this requirement is to have team members from Horizon Europe-eligible countries receive at least 60% of the project funding.

Proposals from outside these geographical areas may exceptionally be considered where the applicant offers unique technical expertise and the project makes a significant contribution to the Open Internet Stack.

Examples of countries included in the programme's stated eligibility framework are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• France
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Spain
• Sweden
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Canada
• Japan
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Kenya
• Ghana

Country eligibility alone does not guarantee that a proposal qualifies; applicants must also meet the European-dimension requirement.

Additional Technical Support

Beyond financial assistance, funded projects may receive practical support to improve the quality, security and adoption of their technologies, including:

• Accessibility assessments and audits.
• Security audits and technical guidance.
• Software packaging and reproducible development support.
• Copyright and open-source licensing advice.
• Governance guidance and mentoring.
• Support with standards, documentation and deployment practices.

Important Dates

• Call opened: 3 September 2026
• Application deadline: 3 November 2026, 12:00 CET
• Programme duration: 1 June 2026 – 30 May 2030.
• Additional calls are expected as the programme budget is allocated.

Application Process

Applicants must prepare a proposal in English explaining the research and development objectives, technical approach, expected results, relevance to the Open Internet Stack and proposed budget.

Applications are assessed competitively on their technical merits, strategic relevance, potential contribution to the Open Internet Stack and overall value for money. Projects must pass the programme's eligibility requirements before progressing through the evaluation process.

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