Next Generation Internet Fund (RIA)
The Next Generation Internet Fund (RIA) supports the development of a human-centric and ethical digital environment. It aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of innovators building open-source internet commons that uphold European values like privacy, transparency, and decentralization. This program is unique in its focus on empowering end-users and enabling new socio-economic models through trustworthy digital technologies.
Who is Funded
This program primarily targets consortia with proven expertise in fostering open-source communities, which will then provide financial support to a broad range of "individual innovators," including researchers, developers, high-tech SMEs, and startups. The geographical scope is wide, encompassing the European Union and encouraging international collaboration with specific global partners, while adhering to European values and digital sovereignty.
What is Funded
The Next Generation Internet Fund (RIA) supports a wide array of digital and industrial technology development, emphasizing human-centred and ethical approaches. Funded projects will span the entire internet stack, focusing on open-source solutions that enhance trust, privacy, and decentralization, and aim for societal and industrial impact across various sectors.
Type and Scope of Funding
The Next Generation Internet Fund primarily offers grants through a cascade funding mechanism, where a main consortium receives a substantial grant to then distribute smaller grants to third-party projects. The maximum amount per third-party project is 500,000 EUR, with typical project durations between 9 and 12 months.
Conditions and Requirements
Applicants and beneficiaries under the Next Generation Internet Fund must adhere to general Horizon Europe conditions, including specific rules for financial support to third parties. Key aspects include consortium expertise in open-source, detailed financial planning for sub-grants, and compliance with the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes for eligibility and evaluation.
Application Procedure
The application process for the Next Generation Internet Fund (RIA) involves a single-stage submission directly through the Funding & Tenders Portal, with evaluation criteria emphasizing the consortium's expertise in fostering open-source initiatives. Evaluation results are communicated to applicants.
Legal Basis
The Next Generation Internet Fund (RIA) operates under the comprehensive legal framework of Horizon Europe, established by specific EU regulations and decisions. The foundational documents and governing policies are made publicly accessible through the EU's official portals and publications.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
500,000 € (per third-party project, typically 50,000 € to 150,000 €)
Allocated Budget:
27,000,000 € (for the 2023 call for this topic)
Deadline:
29.03.2023
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
European Union (EU Member States and Associated Countries), with encouraged international cooperation with Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, India, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Legal entities from China are excluded from Innovation Actions.
Sectors:
Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Research and Development, Financial Technology, Green Technology, Healthcare, Education and Vocational Training, Other
Application Type:
Consortium Required
Funding Stages:
Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Market Introduction, Scaling, Commercialization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission
Additional Partners:
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), EIT Digital, EIT Manufacturing, various research institutions in Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, India, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Joint Undertakings (Smart Networks and Services, EuroHPC, Key Digital Technologies)
Website: