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Competition
FNF OSINT+ Investigation Competition 2026

Open-Source and Data-Driven Investigations
2.7 Minutes
JuliaLee
  Julia Lee
Osint-competition_2026

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is seeking cutting-edge open-source investigations that strengthen democratic transparency, enhance public oversight, and generate actionable, evidence-based insights on issues of public concern.

We support projects that use open-source investigation techniques combined with legally obtained data to examine relevant public issues and produce clear, verifiable findings. Open-source investigation, powered by data, can reveal what others miss and hold power to account. Our goal is to showcase the power of OSINT to the world.

Why "OSINT+"?

The "plus" signifies the competition’s goal of enabling investigators to go beyond traditional open-source data. By providing funding for data procurement, the program allows participants to combine publicly available information with additional datasets and tools, e.g., integrating social media analytics with commercial satellite imagery or other specialised data sources to produce deeper and more comprehensive investigations.

MEMBERS OF THE JURY

Up to 3 projects will be selected by an international jury panel of OSINT experts:

  • Benjamin Strick, OSINT Leader – www.benjaminstrick.com
  • Céline Nauer, Project Advisor, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Global Innovation Hub
  • Dongpo Deng, Open Data Advisor, Open Culture Foundation (OCF)
  • Rae Baker, Sr. OSINT/Maritime Analyst, Consulting

FUNDING RULES

funding-chart-output

HOW TO APPLY

Q: Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to individuals or teams, including OSINT analysts, researchers, journalists, activists, and hacktivists.

Q: What to Submit?

Your proposal (1,500–2,500 words) must include:

  1. Research Title
  2. Research Objective
    - What is the key investigative question or problem you're addressing?
  3. Methodology
    - Describe your OSINT methods, tools, and data sources 
  4. Expected Outputs
  5. Budget Plan: up to €3,000 for data or tool procurement  
    - Describe the required data/tools and how they support your research
    - Provide the specific name of the tool/dataset and the provider. Include a quotation or an estimated cost

Note: FNF will pay vendors directly - you won't need to advance funds

Submission Requirements

  1. Format: PDF document only
  2. Language: English
  3. Deadline: May 6, 2026, 12:00 noon (Taipei Time)
  4. Submit to: julia.lee@freiheit.org

TIMELINE

OSINT TIMELINE