The GÉANT Innovation Programme returns! [Deadline: 14 Nov 2025]

The GÉANT Innovation Programme is back, launching on 1 October 2025, and once again we’re inviting you to bring forward bold new ideas that can shape the future of research and education networking. Whether you are new to the community, or a familiar face, this programme offers the support and resources needed to turn innovative concepts into reality.

About the Innovation Programme

The GÉANT Innovation Programme is a unique opportunity to enable initial development, establish a proof of concept or testing of new ideas, with lightweight administrative constraints.

As part of the GÉANT Community Programme (GCP), the GÉANT Association has reserved a total budget of EUR 300k for the Innovation Programme. The call for proposals is generally for research project funding of EUR 50k. Project proposals over Eur 50K will be considered and are expected to demonstrate exceptional social and technical impact for GÉANT. The project period is for a maximum duration of six months.
*Subject to 2026 budget approval by the GÉANT General Assembly.

During TNC25, the Community Hub hosted the Innovation Programme Spotlight session. This created a space for previous projects to showcase their findings, encouraging collaboration and visibility to each project. If successful, you will have the opportunity to present your results at TNC26 in Helskinki, Finland.

Key dates

Call for proposals opens: 1 October 2025
Deadline for submissions: 14 November 2025, 12:00 (CET)
Submit here: https://events.geant.org/event/350/

A look back at past successes

Since 2021, the programme has funded over 30 projects across areas including: Multimedia; Networks; Trust & Identity; Security; Privacy; Education; Cloud, and eHealth. Many of these projects have made a lasting difference in the community. Examples of previous innovation developed within the GÉANT community include widely adopted services, such as eduroam, eduVPN and eduMEET.

Discover more success stories here: Funded Projects

Who is eligible to apply?

GÉANT Member National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) and/or legal entities from one of its ‘connected institutions’, including universities, research or education institutes or institutions connected to an NREN, are welcome and eligible for funding under this programme. Joint applications of a small consortia led by an NREN or eligible entity are also welcome to apply.

GÉANT values equal opportunity, being fair and inclusive, and supporting a community where everyone feels welcome. We are therefore committed to increasing the number of women and individuals from underrepresented groups in the Research and Education Networking sector. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for the Innovation Programme.

What type of research topics are encouraged?

We particularly encourage innovative proposals that demonstrate significant scientific or societal and economic impact, and create benefit for the GÉANT European Research and Education community. Topics from areas where the GÉANT community is currently most active include: