Navigating the complex landscape of open infrastructure (the shared systems supporting research creation, sharing, and preservation, also referred to as OI) remains challenging for institutions seeking solutions that are open-source, community-governed, or freely accessible. Infra Finder from Invest in Open Infrastructure addresses this need by providing a validated collection of open solutions with details on integrations, hosting options, and governance models to support informed decision-making.

Infra Finder is now two years old, and we continue to work with open infrastructure communities, users, and funders of OI to add new entries showcasing open infrastructure services that power research and its dissemination. Today, we’re excited to share our latest update with new entries, updated information and intake processes, and expanded solution categories. 

IOI Logo. Text reads- explore 130+ open infrastructures with Infra Finder. Always current: regular updates from infrastructure providers. Side-by-side clarity: filter and compare up to 4 solutions. Trusted by the community: used by funders, adopters, and researchers. infrafinder.investinopen.org

Infra Finder: An open infrastructure discovery and evaluation tool

  • Verified information about 134 open infrastructures — and growing! In 2025, we added 32 new entries and received updates from 70 of our existing entries. 
  • Three new solution categories to explore. Based on user and community interest, we have newly added the following new solution categories: 
    • Data collection or management tool: Software used to gather, structure, clean, and maintain datasets. e.g.: Open Data Editor
    • Geospatial data tool or platform: A software or system used to publish, query, analyse, visualize, and/or archive geographic datasets. e.g.: GeoServer. 
    • Integrated Library System (ILS) or Library Services Platform (LSP): A software suite that manages core library operations such as cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, and resource discovery. e.g.: FOLIO. 
  • Targeted filtering and comparison tool. Using Infra Finder, you can refine options based on specific criteria and compare up to four solutions side-by-side. In 2025, we conducted a research project to better understand the types of information users seek when evaluating open infrastructure. Read more about our research here. 
  • A data source used by adopters and funders alike. At IOI, we use Infra Finder to understand the open infrastructure landscape in projects like our State of Open Infrastructure report. In addition, funding organizations have shared that they're using our data to revise evaluation rubrics and inform decisions on what to support, adopters are using Infra Finder listings to speed approval processes. And OIs themselves are using our intake instrument to shape discussions about policies and activities. We’ve released the latest dataset about Infra Finder so you can use it for your own research. 

Share your use cases and feedback today

IOI makes Infra Finder and its data open, and your stories about how you've been using the tool and the data are a powerful signal of our collective commitment towards open science and transparency. We'd love to hear how you're using — or want to use — Infra Finder and the data. Please take a moment to tell us about it. 

Tell us about how you use Infra Finder

Open infrastructures can request inclusion at any time

In 2025, we developed a process that allows open infrastructure services to be added to Infra Finder and updated at any time throughout the year, enabling continuous growth and ensuring the data stays current. Our team works closely with representatives from each OI to develop the entries and verify the information for Infra Finder users. We have streamlined this collaboration process and look forward to adding new entries in 2026. 

For anyone interested in adding a service to Infra Finder: 

  1. Review our eligibility criteria and process information to ensure the service is a good fit for Infra Finder. 
  2. Complete our Expression of Interest (EOI) form, which collects basic information about the service. (Note: this should be filled out by someone formally affiliated with the service or infrastructure!) 
  3. The Infra Finder team will review the EOI and contact the submitter with the next steps. 

If you have any questions about whether an open infrastructure service is eligible for Infra Finder, please contact our team at infra-finder [at] investinopen [dot] org.

Learn more about adding an infrastructure to Infra Finder
Your participation and community support help resources like Infra Finder grow. Please tell us about how you use Infra Finder, and if you’d like to stay updated on the latest news and developments related to Infra Finder and open infrastructure, subscribe to our newsletter. 
Posted by Lauren Collister