About Us
What we do
Local for Local builds the shared infrastructure that local currencies across Europe need to grow. Around 300 such initiatives exist across the continent, each operating on its own technology and struggling with the same structural problems: fragmented software, no common standards, and the risk of depending on large foreign platforms that undermine local control.
We address this by developing open-source software that any local currency can adopt for free, running grant programs that put money directly into the hands of currency initiatives, and connecting these organizations so they can learn from each other and build together.
The project is funded by the Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative under Horizon Europe, which supports open-source projects that strengthen European digital sovereignty. We are led by Centric together with TU Delft, Aix-Marseille Universite, and Kaunas University of Technology.
What we offer
- A European network of local currencies that supports its members, strengthens their position, and helps them work with municipalities and regional economies.
- Socio-economic impact in local regions through more effective and better-connected currency systems.
- A free, open-source software stack that meets the real technical needs of European local currencies.
Building a lasting currency network turned out to be the foundation everything else depends on. The software and the economic impact only stick when the communities behind them are connected and organized.
Our journey
Local for Local has two main phases: building the software and applying it across the currency ecosystem.
| Milestone | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Development started | December 2023 | Ongoing |
| Software stack built | December 2023 | August 2024 |
| First grant program: OSS Infrastructure | April 2024 | August 2024 |
| Currency Ecosystem formed | September 2024 | November 2024 |
| Second grant program: Currency Ecosystem | November 2024 | February 2025 |
| Currency Ecosystem program active | March 2025 | March 2026 |
| Project wraps up | March 2026 | June 2026 |
Consortium
Centric
Centric is an IT and software services company with a presence in multiple European countries. With a team of 3,700 professionals, Centric combines IT expertise with deep knowledge of government, supply chain, and finance. The company operates in ten countries and serves over 3,500 clients through 200+ software solutions.
TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is a Dutch institution known for engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Founded in 1842 and located in Delft, it is recognized globally for cutting-edge research and strong industry collaboration in fields including aerospace, civil engineering, and industrial design.
Aix-Marseille Universite
Aix-Marseille Universite (AMU) is a French research university formed in 2012 with over 78,000 students and 8,000 staff. It consistently ranks among France's top research institutions, with particular strength in health sciences and international collaboration.
Kaunas University of Technology
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is a Lithuanian technical university established in 1922. KTU focuses on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across engineering and technology disciplines, with strong links to industry and international academic partners.