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)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-16
Funding Amount
€1.0M - €3.0M
Deadline
02/10/2025
Eligible Organization Types
Non-profit, Private Business, Research Institution, Public Institution
Trusted by
What is the 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) Call?
Grant Description
This call supports early demonstrations of an open and interoperable Web 4.0 architectural framework and virtual worlds through the development, integration, testing, deployment and operation of key open source and digital commons building blocks in five priority areas: identity management, software supply chain security, open hardware, decentralized platform alternatives and Web 4.0 virtual world interoperability. It addresses the need for a more personalized, secure, scalable and user-centric ...
Required Results for Successful Funding
Expected Outcomes
• Early demonstration of a Web 4.0 architectural framework—protocols, standards and key Open Source internet building blocks—in the priority areas of identity, software supply chain, Open Hardware, decentralised solutions and Virtual Worlds.
• Emergence of open, interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds ecosystems in the EU, centred on European values and regulatory frameworks and delivering high socio-economic impact through digital commons technologies, Open Source solutions and open standards.
• Support for the transition from today’s centralised internet to a more personalised, interactive, collaborative, decentralised and user-centred Web 4.0, with special attention to security, scalability and accessibility.
• Generation of new business opportunities and sustainable business models based on Open Source technologies.
• Emergence of open, interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds ecosystems in the EU, centred on European values and regulatory frameworks and delivering high socio-economic impact through digital commons technologies, Open Source solutions and open standards.
• Support for the transition from today’s centralised internet to a more personalised, interactive, collaborative, decentralised and user-centred Web 4.0, with special attention to security, scalability and accessibility.
• Generation of new business opportunities and sustainable business models based on Open Source technologies.
Funded areas
Scope Requirements
• Advance the evolution of the internet towards an open, decentralised, interoperable Web 4.0 supporting Virtual Worlds and seamless cross-platform user experiences.
• Leverage Europe’s digital commons and Open Source communities to deliver mature building blocks in five priority areas: identity management; software supply chain security; Open Hardware; alternatives to centralised platforms; and Virtual Worlds interoperability.
• Ensure the envisaged Web 4.0 is powered by open decentralised technologies enabling user freedom of choice, high security, scalability and sustainability.
• Define clear mechanisms for contributing to and aligning with the strategic roadmap and architectural framework emerging from the Virtual Worlds Partnership CSA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17).
• Devise cooperation processes with other projects under this topic to work coherently towards the common vision.
• Proposals must clearly identify which of the five areas they address.
• Innovate beyond the state of the art and cover development, integration, testing, deployment, uptake and operations.
• Encourage, where relevant, open access to data, participation in standardisation, robust IPR regimes and sustainability models ensuring lasting impact and reusability of results.
• Typical project duration 24–36 months (flexible).
• Leverage Europe’s digital commons and Open Source communities to deliver mature building blocks in five priority areas: identity management; software supply chain security; Open Hardware; alternatives to centralised platforms; and Virtual Worlds interoperability.
• Ensure the envisaged Web 4.0 is powered by open decentralised technologies enabling user freedom of choice, high security, scalability and sustainability.
• Define clear mechanisms for contributing to and aligning with the strategic roadmap and architectural framework emerging from the Virtual Worlds Partnership CSA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17).
• Devise cooperation processes with other projects under this topic to work coherently towards the common vision.
• Proposals must clearly identify which of the five areas they address.
• Innovate beyond the state of the art and cover development, integration, testing, deployment, uptake and operations.
• Encourage, where relevant, open access to data, participation in standardisation, robust IPR regimes and sustainability models ensuring lasting impact and reusability of results.
• Typical project duration 24–36 months (flexible).
Additional Conditions for Applicants
Special Conditions
• At least one proposal per each of the five defined priority areas will be selected, subject to meeting all evaluation thresholds.
• Proposals must coordinate and align with the separate CSA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17) on the Virtual Worlds Partnership and Web 4.0 initiative, and establish cooperation mechanisms with fellow projects under this call.
• Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties via open calls: up to 15% of the total EU contribution, with a maximum grant of €150 000 per third party.
• This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on Virtual Worlds.
• All eligibility, admissibility, evaluation, award, legal and financial conditions follow the Horizon Europe General Annexes, including specific restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
• Proposals must coordinate and align with the separate CSA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17) on the Virtual Worlds Partnership and Web 4.0 initiative, and establish cooperation mechanisms with fellow projects under this call.
• Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties via open calls: up to 15% of the total EU contribution, with a maximum grant of €150 000 per third party.
• This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on Virtual Worlds.
• All eligibility, admissibility, evaluation, award, legal and financial conditions follow the Horizon Europe General Annexes, including specific restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
Important dates
Open from: 10/06/2025
Deadline:02/10/2025
Application period has ended
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