Ideal-ist is an international ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) National Contact Point (NCP) network, supporting research and innovation within the EU Framework Programmes. The network includes more than 65 partners from EU and Non-EU Countries, such as Associated States, Eastern European Partner Countries (EEPC), Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPC), and other countries throughout the world.

Ideal-ist was established in 1996 and offers also expertise in proposal writing and project management. Ideal-ist supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, academia, research organisations, non-profit organisations, public administrations, and consultancies in interpreting the ICT Work Programme of Horizon 2020, submitting project ideas in line with the topics of Horizon 2020 and building partnerships. Idealist also offers an own partner search.