📢 Continue Applying: Prototype Fund Applications in Full Swing Until March 20!

Dear Prototype,

The Prototype Fund is in full swing, and applications are coming in! If you’re working on an open-source prototype that tackles sustainability, in particular digital sufficiency, and aims at deploying tech for the social good, don’t forget to submit your idea by March 20 via our website 🚀.
 

This year, we’re focusing on sustainable digitalization and digital sufficiency, because on the path to net zero, digital technology must be part of the solution— not the problem. 💚

💡 Need inspiration? Here's what we covered in our Concept Workshops throughout February:

Workshop #1 (Feb 6): From Idea to Impact:

• Set clear system boundaries—don’t get lost in complexity!
• Prototyping is about focus—knowing what to build and why.
• Align your project with the impact you want to create.

Workshop #2 (Feb 26): Digital Sufficiency in Practice

• Sufficiency ≠ efficiency—it’s about reducing overall consumption.
• Be aware of rebound effects—tech solutions should truly reduce resource use.
• How much AI do we need? Thoughtful design is key for sustainability.

A huge thanks to all participants and expert speakers Dr. Leonard Creutzburg, One Planet Lab, and Dr. Mario Angst, UZH Digital Society Initiative, for the inspiring discussions!

👉 Next Step: Submit Your Application!
 

There’s still time to prepare your idea—make sure your project fits the Prototype Fund focus and get it in by March 20!

Submit your idea to shape the tech that works for the planet—not against it.

Verena
Lead I Prototype Fund CH 💚

The Prototype Fund is a program by Opendata.ch and supported by the Mercator Foundation Switzerland and the Christoph Merian Foundation.