Kong Gateway (open source)

Kong Gateway is the open source API gateway from Kong, an API and AI connectivity company. Its managed Konnect Plus plan starts at $25 a month plus usage.

KongUpdated monthly · checked 26 h ago

Kong Gateway (open source) is a developer tools perk from Kong, offering open source API gateway, with no funding required.

Value: Open source API gateway
Who qualifies: No funding needed
Benefit type: Free plan
Terms: Verified

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While you apply

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What you get

Inside Kong Gateway (open source)

Kong Gateway is described by Kong as the world's most adopted open source API gateway, so the gateway itself is open source. Kong's managed Konnect Plus plan, for API Management, is from $25 a month plus usage, billed monthly, with a 30-day free trial that needs no credit card.

Source: The provider's official program page

Eligibility

Who it's for

Open source Any startup

Funding / backing: No funding needed
Geography: Global
Recurring / expiry: Open source with no time limit.
Other requirements: The open source gateway is self-run. The managed plan is a separate paid product.

How to claim

How to apply for Kong Gateway (open source)

Steps to apply

1Install Kong Gateway from its open source download pages.
2No application is needed.

Good to know: Plans read on konghq.com/products/kong-gateway and konghq.com/pricing on October 28, 2026.

Apply at Kong

Source: The provider's official program page

Value is the headline maximum Kong advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. A comparison, not endorsed by the programs listed. A link labeled as a referral link may earn us a commission, and a program labeled Same owner comes from the company that runs StartupPerks. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.

Questions

Kong Gateway (open source): common questions

What do you get with Kong Gateway (open source)?

Kong Gateway (open source) offers open source API gateway.

Who qualifies for Kong Gateway (open source)?

Kong Gateway (open source) is open to any startup, with no funding required. The open source gateway is self-run. The managed plan is a separate paid product.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Kong Gateway (open source)?

No. Kong Gateway (open source) is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for Kong Gateway (open source)?

Install Kong Gateway from its open source download pages. No application is needed.

How long do I have to use Kong Gateway (open source), and does it expire?

Open source with no time limit.

Is Kong Gateway (open source) available outside the US?

Kong Gateway (open source) is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

Free API gateways, comparedKong Gateway's free plan next to every other free API gatewayWhat each API gateway gives you free today, its main limit and what the first paid plan costs, read from each provider's own page.