SIDN fonds Pioneer grants 2026 for a stronger internet
SIDN fonds gives grants of up to €10,000 for early ideas that make the Dutch internet stronger. Applications are open all year.
SIDN fonds Pioneer grants give up to €10,000 to a project in the idea phase. The money is meant to turn an idea into a demo, a pilot or an experimental design with a strong team. SIDN fonds is a Dutch fund that supports innovative projects for an inclusive, safe and connecting internet.
In 2026 pioneer applications must fit the Stronger internet focus area. Projects must work on solutions or technologies that are directly relevant to the Dutch internet infrastructure and that can also be used more widely in the digital ecosystem. The fund names the national anti DDoS service NaWas, security.txt and Publicroam as examples.
You do not need to be an organisation to apply for a pioneer grant. Individuals, including students, can apply. The project should make an impact first in the Netherlands, have value for society and not serve a single company or person. Results, knowledge and experience must be shared publicly, and the project must be finished within six months of its start date. Working with registrars, hosting companies or internet providers counts in your favour.
The fund does not support a website, app or AI tool without real innovation, purely business to business proposals, events, standalone media productions, or projects with a religious or party political aim.
Applications are open all year. You first check your idea with the quickscan, can test it through a web form, and then apply through the FundPro system with a questionnaire and a short video pitch. SIDN fonds says you get an answer within six weeks. Larger projects of up to €75,000 are funded only through themed calls, which the fund runs once or twice a year.
Quick answers
How much does it pay?
Up to € 10,000. It is a grant and takes no equity.
When is the deadline?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed as they arrive.
Who can apply?
Individuals or legal entities with an innovative idea in the idea phase that is directly relevant to the Dutch internet infrastructure and also useful in the wider digital ecosystem. Results must be shared publicly and the project must finish within six months of its start date. It is limited to applicants in Europe, NL.
How do I apply?
Through the official page at sidnfonds.nl. The link is at the top of this page.