Drive the evolution of the internet towards open and interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds: building blocks in priority areas (RIA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance the next generation of the internet, focusing on creating open and interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds. It aims to support projects that foster decentralization, user choice, and digital ecosystems that reflect European values. Emphasis is placed on areas like digital identity, software security, open hardware, and alternatives to centralized online platforms. The initiative seeks to create demonstrations and solutions that are user-centered, secure, and sustainable. While it primarily targets Europe, there is also collaboration with select countries in Asia, North America, and Africa, especially in semiconductors and generative AI.

• Identity management tools (e.g. EU digital ID wallet components, decentralized ID systems, open-source identity frameworks)

• Software supply chain tools (e.g. secure package managers, trust mechanisms, open software infrastructure)

• Open hardware or decentralized infrastructure (e.g. edge devices, decentralized networking, hardware for Web 4.0)

• Virtual worlds components (e.g. interoperable middleware, plugins, messaging systems, virtual app stores)

• Applicants must be from eligible countries (EU or those with funding provisions under Horizon Europe).
• Proposals must meet evaluation thresholds and criteria for their topic area.
• Applicants must show sound financial and operational capacity.
• Projects should be innovative, encourage open access, and align with the strategic roadmap for Web 4.0.

Examples:

• A project developing an open-source digital identity system that works across multiple virtual worlds.
• A research initiative creating secure and transparent software supply chains for decentralized platforms.
• An innovation project designing open hardware for scalable, user-friendly virtual environments.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 14.500.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 9
• Maximum per project: 3.000.000€
• Minimum value per project: 1.000.000€

• Minimum three independent entities from three different eligible countries, one must be from an EU Member State.

• All must be from EU or Horizon Europe associated countries and meet financial and operational capacity requirements.

• Action type is Research & Innovation Action (RIA).

• Project must develop open, interoperable Web 4.0 and virtual world technologies using open-source tools.

• Must align with EU digital values and follow all Horizon Europe legal and ethical rules.