NGI TALER open call (2026-02T)

The NGI TALER open call (2026-02T) is a funding opportunity linked to the Next Generation Internet initiative, supported by the European Commission and the Swiss State. It offers a total of 396,000 euros for projects that aim to develop and implement privacy-preserving and free open-source digital payment solutions, particularly utilizing the GNU Taler system.

Applications are open to all types of applicants, including individuals, startups, non-profits, and organizations, provided that the proposals demonstrate a clear European dimension. The funding is available for projects with a primary focus on research and development, and grant amounts range from 5,000 to 50,000 euros.

The application process is streamlined, with a single-stage submission model requiring concise proposals limited to two pages. The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2026, at 12:00 Brussels time. Projects will be evaluated based on three criteria: technical merit (30% weight), strategic relevance to NGI objectives (40% weight), and overall value for money (30% weight), needing a total score above 5.0 out of 7 to be considered for funding.

Eligible activities for funding include the design and development of open-source software and hardware, validation and inquiry into novel technical solutions, software engineering, security audits, documentation, standardization activities, and community engagement efforts. Results from funded projects must be open-access and licensed under a recognized free and open-source license.

The NGI TALER initiative intends to create a trustworthy, user-friendly internet payment system that balances privacy for users with transparency for merchants and authorities, enabling innovative payment methods and economic models. This initiative seeks to empower independent researchers and developers to reshape the landscape of digital payments, avoiding dependence on corporate solutions that compromise user privacy. The program also allows for potential project scalability through related funding opportunities like the NGI0 Commons Fund.

Overall, the NGI TALER open call is part of a broader strategy to enhance European digital sovereignty and promote a fair, accessible payment ecosystem by supporting innovative, open-source technological developments addressing the challenges of modern digital payments.

The NGI TALER open call (2026-02T) is a funding opportunity within the Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative, specifically focusing on the development and rollout of privacy-preserving and libre digital payment methods. The call aims to support free and open-source efforts aligned with the NGI TALER project, which builds upon the GNU Taler system. The project is funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State.

The opening date for submissions is December 1, 2025, and the deadline for submission is February 1, 2026, at 12:00 Brussels time. The call follows a single-stage submission model. The expected duration of participation in projects is flexible, ranging from 1 to 9 months. The total funding available for this call is 396,000 euros. The project acronym is TALER, and the full name of the EU-funded project is Taxable Anonymous Libre Electronic Reserves. The grant agreement number is 101135475. The relevant topic is HORIZON-CL4-2023-HUMAN-01-12 Pilots for the Next Generation Internet (IA).

Projects can be submitted through the website https://NLnet.nl/propose. Applicants should consult this page and the guide for applicants before preparing their proposals. The call is open to anyone, including private individuals and organizations of any type. Project proposals should align with the NGI vision and have research and development as their primary objective. Proposals should be complete and concise, ideally no longer than two pages for the main application. A clear European dimension is required.

Project proposals will be evaluated based on a 7-point scale, considering three criteria: technical merit (30% weight), strategic relevance to the Next Generation Internet and expected contribution to the goals of NGI TALER (40% weight), and overall value for money (30% weight). To be selected, projects must achieve a total weighted score above 5.0 out of 7. The key objective is to deliver potential breakthrough contributions to the objectives of NGI TALER and the introduction of privacy-preserving and libre digital payment methods at internet scale.

The following types of activities are eligible for financial support, provided they are cost-effective and directly relevant to NGI TALER's topics and objectives:

Scientific research.
Design and development of open-source software and open hardware.
Validation or constructive inquiry into existing or novel technical solutions.
Software engineering aimed at adapting to new usage areas or improving software quality.
Formal security proofs, security audits, setup, and design of software testing and continuous integration.
Documentation for researchers, developers, and end-users, including educational materials.
Standardization activities, including membership fees of standards bodies.
Understanding user requirements and improving usability/inclusive design.
Necessary measures in support of broader deployability, such as packaging.
Participation in technical, developer, and community events like hackathons, IETF, W3C, RIPE meetings, FOSDEM, etc., including admission fees, travel, and subsistence costs.
Other activities relevant to adhering to robust software development and deployment practices.
Project management.
Out-of-pocket costs for infrastructure essential to achieving the above.

All scientific outcomes must be published as open access, and any novel software and hardware created must be published under a recognized free and open-source license in its entirety.

Further information, including a complete overview of the call text, proposal guidelines, and an FAQ, can be found on the main call page: https://NLnet.nl/taler. Additional information is available on the official project website: https://ngi.taler.net.

The NGI TALER project aims to roll out a new electronic payment system that benefits various stakeholders, including individuals, merchants, banks, financial authorities, auditors, and anti-corruption researchers. It builds on the GNU Taler system, offering privacy for payers while ensuring transparency for sellers. GNU Taler facilitates micro payments at low overhead, enabling alternative internet business models beyond advertising or subscriptions. It also aims to lower transaction fees and extend online payment access to underbanked populations.

15% of the NGI TALER budget is allocated to open calls for funding free and open-source efforts aligned with the project's goals. Contributions are sought to reshape digital payment systems and create an open, trustworthy, and reliable internet. This includes adding new capabilities to GNU Taler, building auxiliary tools, improving user experience, developing integrations into FOSS applications and open standards (such as enabling P2P micropayments in instant messengers, social media platforms, or video conferencing tools), and enhancing infrastructure components like merchant backends.

The program seeks project proposals between 5,000 and 50,000 euros. Successful projects may be eligible for scaling up through other NLnet-funded programs like the NGI0 Commons Fund. The goal is to establish reliable, low-cost, secure, and resource-efficient payments as the norm on the internet, empowering users with control.

The open calls aim to assist independent researchers and developers in creating new technologies that contribute to a fair and democratic society. The call encourages innovative and out-of-the-box ideas that align with the topic and eligibility criteria.

For those interested in learning more about Taler or having questions, resources include the GNU Taler technology, the main NGI Taler site, and the GNU Taler Integration Community Hub.

In summary, this NGI TALER open call is a funding opportunity for projects that contribute to the development and adoption of privacy-preserving, open-source digital payment systems, particularly those that enhance or integrate with the GNU Taler system. It supports a wide range of activities, from research and development to standardization and community engagement, with the goal of creating a more trustworthy and accessible internet economy. The call is open to individuals and organizations, offering grants between 5,000 and 50,000 euros for projects that align with the NGI vision and contribute to the objectives of NGI TALER. The initiative aims to foster European sovereignty and democratic ownership in the digital realm by promoting open and reliable payment solutions.

Eligible Applicant Types: Anyone can apply, including private individuals and organizations of any type.

Funding Type: Grant, specifically small to medium-size R&D grants. It is also described as cascade funding.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is preferred. However, the wording suggests that single applicants are eligible ("Anyone can apply").

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The call has a clear European dimension, and the NGI TALER project is funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State. Therefore, applicants from the EU and Switzerland are likely eligible. The call is part of the Next Generation Internet initiative, which aims to restore European sovereignty.

Target Sector: The program targets the digital economy, specifically focusing on privacy-preserving and libre digital payment methods. This includes areas such as: open source software and hardware, software engineering, security, standardization, usability, and deployment of digital payment systems. It also touches upon areas like micro payments, online publishing, and financial inclusion.

Mentioned Countries: Switzerland, EU (European dimension is mentioned).

Project Stage: The projects should have research and development as their primary objective. The activities that qualify for financial support include scientific research, design and development of open source software and open hardware, validation or constructive inquiry into existing or novel technical solutions, software engineering, formal security proofs, security audits, setup and design of software testing and continuous integration, documentation, standardization activities, understanding user requirements and improving usability/inclusive design, necessary measures in support of deployability, participation in technical events, project management, and out-of-pocket costs for infrastructure. This suggests that the project stage can range from research to validation and early development.

Funding Amount: The program seeks project proposals between 5,000 and 50,000 euros. A total of 396,000 euros is available for the open call.

Application Type: Open call.

Nature of Support: Money, in the form of R&D grants.

Application Stages: Single-stage.

Success Rates: Not explicitly stated, but the text mentions that budgets are limited, suggesting that the success rate may not be very high.

Co-funding Requirement: Not explicitly stated.

Summary:

This is an open call for proposals under the NGI TALER project, which is funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State. The call aims to fund additional free and open source efforts aligned with the topics and approach of NGI TALER, which focuses on developing a new electronic payment system that prioritizes privacy and transparency. The goal is to reshape the state of play of digital payment systems and create an open, trustworthy, and reliable internet for all.

The call is open to anyone, including private individuals and organizations of any type, with project proposals that have a clear European dimension and align with the NGI vision. The primary objective of the projects should be research and development. The program will award small to medium-size R&D grants, ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 euros, towards technology commons that empower users and establish a new generation of privacy-friendly digital payments systems. The total funding available for this call is 396,000 euros.

The types of activities that qualify for financial support include scientific research, design and development of open source software and open hardware, validation of technical solutions, software engineering, security audits, documentation, standardization activities, usability improvements, deployment measures, participation in technical events, project management, and infrastructure costs. All scientific outcomes and any novel software and hardware created must be published under a free and open source license.

Projects will be evaluated based on technical merit (30%), strategic relevance to NGI and contribution to NGI TALER goals (40%), and value for money (30%). The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2026, at 12:00 Brussels time. The expected duration of participation is 1-9 months. The call encourages out-of-the-box ideas that contribute to the topic of privacy-friendly digital payments. Successful projects may have the opportunity to scale up in other programs funded by NLnet, such as the NGI0 Commons Fund.