# Tier-1 Cloud

**Funder:** FWO
**Duration:** 8 months to 2 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; rolling submission
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/vsc-computing-time/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

OpenStack-based cloud (IaaS) resources for Flemish university/SOC/public knowledge institution researchers needing flexible virtual machines, storage, and high-level services. Proposals must be of outstanding quality. No cost contribution required. Contact cloud@vscentrum.be for assistance.

## Summary

Tier-1 Cloud provides OpenStack-based cloud infrastructure (IaaS) resources to researchers at Flemish universities, specialised research centres, and public knowledge institutions. Researchers can request flexible virtual machines, storage, and high-level services for projects of outstanding quality, with no cost contribution required. Proposals are accepted continuously and evaluated on a rolling basis.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at Flemish universities, specialised research centres, or public knowledge institutions
- Projects requiring flexible virtual machines, storage, or high-level cloud services
- Researchers conducting work of outstanding scientific quality

## Key dates

- Continuous rolling submission; proposals evaluated on an ongoing basis
- Project duration: 8 months to 2 years

## Tips for applicants

- Contact cloud@vscentrum.be early for technical guidance on your infrastructure needs and proposal scope.
- Proposals are assessed on scientific quality and technical feasibility; emphasise how cloud resources enable your research objectives.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Tier-1 Cloud and who can use it?

Tier-1 Cloud is an OpenStack-based infrastructure service for researchers at Flemish universities, specialised research centres, and public knowledge institutions. It provides virtual machines, storage, and high-level services at no cost to the user.

### How long can a Tier-1 Cloud project run?

Projects can run between 8 months and 2 years.

### How do I apply for Tier-1 Cloud resources?

Proposals are submitted continuously and evaluated on a rolling basis by the FWO evaluation commission. Contact cloud@vscentrum.be for application guidance.

### Is there a cost for Tier-1 Cloud resources?

No, there is no cost contribution required to use Tier-1 Cloud resources.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-tier-1-cloud-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.